LeBron James Injury: Return Getting Closer
LeBron James continues to recover from sciatica and is targeting a return to action by mid-November. His comeback could take place in the game against the Utah Jazz
The Lakers star, LeBron James, is still training individually, focused on his rehab from the nerve issue that has kept him sidelined for almost a month. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the next step in his recovery plan is to resume full-contact practices, including 5-on-5 scrimmages.
The four-time NBA champion will not travel with the team on their upcoming five-game road trip – Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Milwaukee – and will remain in California to continue his rehabilitation program. It’s still uncertain whether he’ll join the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, for practice sessions, or wait until the main roster returns to start working with the group again.
The most realistic target date for his return appears to be November 18, when the Lakers host the Utah Jazz. JJ Redick recently said that while there’s no exact timetable, LeBron’s comeback is expected “between the second and third week of November”, provided all recovery protocols go smoothly.
On October 9, the Lakers announced the diagnosis of sciatica – humorously referred to by Charles Barkley as “just old age” – and scheduled a reevaluation within three to four weeks. Thursday will mark exactly one month since that announcement.
When LeBron James steps back on the court, he will once again make history – becoming the first player in NBA history to play in his 23rd season, another milestone showcasing the remarkable longevity of his dominance.