LeBron James Cleared for Full Practice as Lakers Get Their Most Encouraging Update of the Season

The Los Angeles Lakers returned home from their five-game road trip with a 10–4 record — and even bigger news waiting for them in Los Angeles. For the first time this season, LeBron James has been cleared to participate fully in team practice, marking the most encouraging milestone yet in his long recovery process.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, LeBron will join the Lakers' main group in Monday’s practice session. He had spent the past week training with the South Bay Lakers — the franchise’s G League affiliate — completing controlled workouts, scrimmages, and full five-on-five action without any lingering pain or setbacks.

This development provides the clearest indicator that LeBron is nearing his season debut.

Sciatica Under Control as LeBron Enters Final Phase of Recovery

The right-side sciatic injury not only kept LeBron out of the Lakers’ training camp but sidelined him throughout the opening stretch of the season. Given that he is preparing for an unprecedented 23rd NBA season, the medical staff took an extremely conservative approach with load management, strength progression, and mobility work.

Over the past week, team officials described his recovery as a smooth ramp-up. LeBron tolerated increased workloads, played through contact, and showed no residual pain — all essential steps before rejoining the Lakers’ main rotation.

At this point, the focus is no longer if he returns, but when.

Lakers’ Schedule Offers Clear Return Scenarios

The upcoming slate gives the Lakers multiple windows for LeBron’s comeback:

• Tuesday vs. Utah Jazz (home):

The first game after a long trip, in Los Angeles, in front of home fans — an ideal stage.

• Nov. 23 @ Utah Jazz:

A lighter stretch in the schedule would allow the team to extend caution if needed.

• Nov. 25 vs. Clippers (In-Season Tournament):

A marquee rivalry game with tournament stakes — a dramatic stage if the staff wants a few more days.

With LeBron practicing in full Monday, the next step is simple: see how his body responds to NBA-level physicality and rhythm alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and the rest of the rotation. If he wakes up Tuesday without stiffness or soreness, his debut could arrive immediately against Utah.

A 10–4 Lakers Team About to Add a Hall of Fame

The timing could not be better.

Los Angeles has surged behind MVP-level play from Luka Dončić and the best stretch of Austin Reaves’ career, all while navigating injuries and shifting rotations. Their 3–2 road trip included a dominant win over the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing the team’s improving cohesion.

Reaves recently suggested that LeBron likely spent the opening 11 games “studying the team from afar,” analyzing how best to elevate what’s already working. Internally, the expectation is that LeBron complements the current system rather than resetting it.

In an ideal scenario, a 10–4 Lakers squad gains:

• A 24+ PPG scorer still capable of controlling the pace
• Another elite creator, easing the load on Luka and Reaves
• Championship-level decision making in crunch time

For fans, the anticipation is obvious:

We are finally close to seeing LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves share the court with time, structure, and context — allowing us to discover the true ceiling of this trio.