LOS ANGELES — Lakers star forward LeBron James has taken another step toward making his season debut.
The team announced Thursday morning that James, who’s been sidelined to start 2025-26 because of sciatica, has progressed to contact basketball activity and will be reevaluated in about 1-2 weeks.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that James won’t travel with the Lakers for the team’s upcoming five-game road trip, which starts against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
The Lakers’ first game after the trip is Nov. 18, when they host the Utah Jazz.
Coach JJ Redick told reporters last week that the team was hopeful James would make his return in the second or third week of November.
James will become the first player in league history to play 23 NBA seasons when he makes his season debut.
The Lakers have gotten off to a 7-2 start without James after Wednesday’s home win over the San Antonio Spurs, which was their fifth consecutive victory.
