Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James edges toward a monumental return in a quietly electrifying twist

Superstar LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, who was earlier this week assigned to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, is scheduled to join the squad. James will rejoin the NBA team and practise with them on Monday after they return from their five-game road trip, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.Since the beginning of training camp, the 40-year-old superstar has been recovering from a sciatica ailment. James will become the first player to play in 23 seasons when he returns, making NBA history. The Lakers have a strong 10-4 start to the 2025–26 season despite losing their star player.

LeBron James inches closer to a long-awaited return as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a pivotal week ahead

According to Shams Charania, LeBron James will fully participate in Monday's Los Angeles Lakers practice after being moved from the NBA G League South Bay.

According to sources who spoke to ESPN, LeBron James has been reassigned to the Lakers from NBA G League South Bay and will fully participate in Monday's Lakers practice. “LeBron James has been reassigned back to the Lakers from NBA G League South Bay and will be a full participant at Lakers practice on Monday, sources tell ESPN. James completed multiple days of practices and 5-on-5 sessions this week in the G League and his debut is nearing…”James finished many days of G League practices and five-on-five sessions this week, and his debut is almost here.

James finished several days of practices and 5-on-5 sessions during his G League stint, moving closer to a full recovery.Sciatica, a nerve ache that travels down the sciatic nerve from the lower back down the leg, has kept James out of action for the first month of the season. Early in November, James was given the all-clear to resume basketball-related activity after receiving a diagnosis during the preseason.

James will do it with the NBA Lakers for the first time this season during Monday's practice.

Due to sciatica on his right side, he hasn't practiced with the team at all. The 40-year-old great has missed the opening 14 games of the season due to that ailment. If everything goes according to plan, James may make his season debut on Tuesday when they host the Utah Jazz. After finishing 3-2 on a five-game road trip, the Lakers will return. They had two excellent defensive performances in back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday, capping off what was undoubtedly an exhilarating road trip.Without James in the lineup, Los Angeles has a 10-4 record thus far this season. With the potential Hall of Fame in the lineup, the Lakers should only get better. Not only should that be the case, but James does not need to come back and save the Lakers the way he has done throughout his career.The Lakers are getting closer to full health now that James is almost back in the starting lineup. Gabe Vincent will be the only rotation piece available when James eventually returns. Also read: When is LeBron James returning? Renewed hope rises as Los Angeles Lakers star edges closer to long-awaited comeback