Copyright Newsweek
LeBron James has missed the start of the 2025-26 NBA season while recovering from right-sided sciatica that was first reported in early October. Until now, the Los Angeles Lakers had only indicated that a mid-November return was possible, stopping short of offering any firm timetable while continuing to monitor James’ recovery. On Thursday, however, Lakers fans received welcome news that James has apparently progressed to contact basketball activity and will be re-evaluated by team physicians in roughly 1-2 weeks, at which point further updates will be provided. This gives James an estimated return date that aligns with what the team had hoped for at the beginning of the season. Read More: Lakers’ Bronny James Receives Good News Ahead of Spurs Game The Lakers’ short statement moves him from individual work into contact drills (the usual step before live 5-on-5) and sets a clear short-term checkpoint for the medical staff. If the progress continues and the team reports no setbacks, a mid-November debut (around the previously speculated estimate of Nov. 18; a home date against the Utah Jazz) is certainly plausible. However, the Lakers have indicated they will not rush the timeline and will wait for the live-action data physicians require. Read More: Cooper Flagg Vents Frustration Amid Mavericks’ Losing Streak Without James, Los Angeles has started the season strong, sitting 7-2 and riding a five-game winning streak. The team's most recent 118-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs saw Luka Doncic produce a game-high 35 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds, while center Deandre Ayton chipped in a double-double (22 points and 10 rebounds). Next up, the Lakers travel to State Farm Arena on Saturday to face the Atlanta Hawks (4-4). The Hawks will be without star guard Trae Young, who will reportedly miss multiple weeks after the Hawks diagnosed an MCL sprain on Nov. 1 and set a re-evaluation timeline of about four weeks. The Lakers’ depth and early success suggest they can afford to proceed cautiously with James, keeping the bigger picture in mind as the postseason chase looms months down the line.
