LeBron James practiced pain-free for the second day in a row
LeBron James practiced with the South Bay Lakers on Thursday and reported no lingering pain for the second day in a row, which is an encouraging sign Los Angeles Lakers eyes his return from sciatica. Sources told ESPN that James completed five-on-five work with no pain in his back or right side limited it earlier in a week.
Coach JJ Redick and the Lakers relied on caution during James’ rehab. The 40-year-old ran with South Bay to increase contact and intensity away from the pressure of the game as the organization monitors any reaction the next day. Thursday’s outcome, another pain-free session, moves the needle toward a possible mid-November debut that has been circulating.
James’ use of the G League affiliate reflects how veteran players sometimes chase fine-tuned fitness and minutes before rejoining an NBA rotation. He pushed through reps in a live game under South Bay coach Zach Guthrie and finished practice without complaint, a much-needed update after the previous day’s practice first caused soreness.
When James returns, the Lakers get a proven do-it-all star. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season, per ESPN, a production that continues to set the tone for the Los Angeles ceiling. But the team wants to avoid setbacks that linger into the regular season, so the medical staff and James’ camp plan to stay conservative while history-making veteran chasing 23rd season.
For fans and teammates, Thursday’s report offers tangible hope. The Lakers still have to carefully manage rotations and minutes, but back-to-back practice sessions are pain-free with South Bay make the schedule realistic. If James stays healthy over the next few sessions, the Lakers could welcome him back with a polished, ready-to-play version of who has carried competitors for two decades.
2025-11-14 00:26:00
