The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that LeBron James has been cleared for contact basketball activities as he continues to recover from sciatica.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Lakers released a statement confirming James' advancement to "contact basketball activity." He is expected to be reassessed in one to two weeks.
LeBron James has progressed to "contact basketball activity," and he will be reevaluated in one to two weeks.
The 40-year-old forward, a 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA MVP, has missed the start of the 2025-26 NBA season due to sciatica affecting his right side. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that James would not join the team's five-game road trip starting November 6 and would instead continue individual training before moving to live 5-on-5 practice reps.
Even well into his third decade playing professionally, James continues to perform at a high level, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last season. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić is emerging as a potential MVP candidate, and Austin Reaves is showing All-Star potential during James' absence.
He's still excelling despite playing into his third pro decade, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds last year.
Author's summary: LeBron James has resumed contact basketball activities as he recovers from sciatica, with the Lakers maintaining strong performance despite his absence early in the season.