Lakers' LeBron James Cleared for Basketball Activities
The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that LeBron James has been cleared for contact basketball activities as part of his recovery from sciatica.
Injury Update and Next Steps
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Lakers stated that James has advanced to "contact basketball activity" and will be reassessed in one to two weeks. The 40-year-old veteran has missed the start of the 2025-26 season due to right-side sciatica.
James' Absence and Team Performance
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that James will not join the team on their current five-game road trip. Instead, he continues individual workouts before returning to live 5-on-5 practice sessions.
In James' absence, players like Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia have stepped into the starting lineup. Despite missing James, the Lakers hold a strong 7-2 record, second-best in the Western Conference.
LeBron James' Impact and Season Outlook
James, a 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA MVP, is in his 23rd season. Last year, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, demonstrating high performance well into his third decade as a pro.
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić is performing at an MVP-worthy level, and Austin Reaves has emerged as a legitimate All-Star contender during James’ absence. The Lakers clearly need a healthy LeBron to compete seriously for an NBA championship.
"James has progressed to 'contact basketball activity,' and he will be reevaluated in one to two weeks." — Lakers statement via ESPN's Dave McMenamin
Author’s summary: LeBron James' return to contact drills signals significant progress in his sciatica recovery, with the Lakers maintaining strong performance despite his absence.