Lakers star LeBron James has not yet played this season due to sciatica, but it appears the 40-year-old is nearing a return.
James has been assigned to Los Angeles's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, and he will be a full participant in practice. The practice will include 5-on-5 play so that James can get his feet under him as he works towards a season debut, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
This season marked the first time in James's 23-year career that he was not available for his team's season opener. After playing just 55 games in 2022-23, James has eclipsed 70 games played in each of his last two seasons.
When James returns to the lineup, he is expected to have a similar impact to the one he has had across his illustrious career. The 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season on 50.6% shooting from the floor.
The Lakers are 8-3 on the season without James, and sit in fourth-place in the West through the first month of the season.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lakers Make Key Roster Move With LeBron James As He Eyes Season Debut.
