NBA: LeBron James on track to return for Los Angeles Lakers with star set to practice with South Bay side

LeBron James is set to join the G League’s South Bay Lakers for practice later this week as he ramps up preparations for what will be his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared the update on Monday ahead of Los Angeles’ road win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Redick initially told reporters that James was “literally practising with South Bay today,” but the team later clarified that the workout will take place later in the week, as the G League affiliate did not have a session scheduled on Monday.

James, now 40 years old, has yet to practice or play this season due to sciatica that developed near the start of training camp.

The Lakers have not offered a specific timeline for his return, and James has remained largely silent publicly since media day in late September.

Despite his absence, Los Angeles has managed a strong start, opening the campaign 8-3 even with other key players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves also battling injuries.

However, the Lakers showed signs of fatigue in their recent loss to an undermanned Atlanta Hawks side, and are now in the midst of a five-game road stretch.

James will not travel with the team for the current trip, while Reaves has returned to action against the Hornets after missing three games with a hamstring issue.

The Lakers’ next home game is set for November 18 against the Utah Jazz, which could potentially align with James’ gradual reintroduction to team activities if his recovery continues to progress.