LeBron James takes the next step in his recovery from injury, but remains sidelined
The Los Angeles Lakers will put their four-game winning streak on the line when they host the San Antonio Spurs at Cripto.com Arena on Wednesday.
The Lakers are currently 6-2they’ve been playing great lately despite their inconsistent roster, which has been plagued by injuries. especially, LeBron James has yet to adjust this season due to a sciatica injury.
The 40-year-old James will not join the Lakers on their upcoming five-game road trip that begins this weekend, but according to ESPN’s Shams Charani, the veteran forward will progress to five-on-five play after a series of individual workouts.
“I was told today that the Lakers staff is still operating under the belief that LeBron James will make his debut in mid-November,” Charania said.
“But this is uncharted territory, he turns 41 next month, he’s in his record 23rd NBA season, and that’s why Rob Pelinka’s three signings this offseason — Jake LaRavia, DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart — have been so important, they’ve paid dividends with depth without an all-time great in LeBron James.”
ESPN NBA Countdown reporting on the next steps in the LeBron James Lakers season debut process: pic.twitter.com/2vISAhdOuL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2025
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, meanwhile, pointed out James’ back-to-back All-NBA nods could hit a dead end if he is still on the sidelines.
“Including tonight (against the Spurs), LeBron James has missed LA’s first nine games of the 2025-26 season. If he misses five more, LeBron will be allowed to miss three more games throughout the year to remain All-NBA eligible,” Siegel reported.
“His streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA selections is in serious jeopardy.”
The Lakers are coming off an impressive win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, 123-115, even without James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
2025-11-06 01:35:00
