LeBron James Drops Clues in Intense G League Session—Is a Dramatic Lakers Comeback Imminent?

LeBron James’ return to the Lakers’ lineup is still a bit of a mystery – no exact date on the horizon yet. But here’s the kicker — the King is back on the hardwood, at least in practice, working his way with the South Bay Lakers, LA’s G League squad. Coach JJ Redick, perhaps unintentionally, let this little nugget slip during a chat with the media, throwing a fresh spark of hope to Lakers fans eager to see the 40-year-old icon lace up again. James has been sidelined by sciatica since training camp, missing the opening stretch of the season, and while the team’s been cautious with his progress, clearing him for contact drills recently, it’s clear the countdown to his comeback has started in earnest. The Lakers have been holding strong without him, cruising to a commendable 7-3 record, but you can bet scrubs and starters alike are counting down the days until LeBron’s back in the fold. It feels like his return is imminent — maybe even as soon as their Nov. 18 home game versus the Utah Jazz — but we’re still watching the clock. LEARN MORE

LeBron James remains without a precise timeline for his season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers.

But it sounds like it’s coming sooner rather than later.

Head coach JJ Redick told reporters Monday that James was practicing with the franchise’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. It’s not clear if the Lakers intended to make his practice status public, but Redick let it slip while singing James’ praises to reporters.

“He’s literally practicing with South Bay today,” Redick said in the middle of comments praising James.

James, 40, has been sidelined with sciatica since training camp and missed the first 10 games of the Lakers’ season prior to Redick’s update. And he’ll miss more.

The Lakers announced Thursday that James had been cleared for contact and he’d be re-evaluated in one-to-two weeks for his return to game action. Redick’s update is the first from the team since then and arrived ahead of Monday’s road game against the Hornets.

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The Lakers have three more road games against the Thunder, Pelicans and Bucks before returning to Los Angeles for a Nov. 18 home game against the Utah Jazz. That home game would appear to be a logical spot for James’ return to action if he’s ready. But — again — there is no precise timeline for his return.

The Lakers have thrived despite James’ absence and injuries that sidelined Luka Dončić for four of their first 10 games. They entered Monday at 7-3, good for fourth place in the Western Conference.