Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LeBron James Injury Update: Los Angeles Lakers Star Cleared for Contact, to Remain out for at least 1-2 More Weeks

LeBron James is dealing with a sciatica injury in his right side.

Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are already nine games into the 2025-26 NBA season, but fans are still waiting to see their favorite superstar LeBron James in action. James, who is on the verge of becoming the first NBA player to play 23 seasons, is yet to make his seasonal debut. The 40-year-old is dealing with a sciatica injury in his right side, diagnosed during the preseason, and sidelined for at least four weeks.

Lakers' LeBron James has officially been cleared for contact basketball activities and will be re-evaluated in one to two weeks. Next step, ramping up to 5-on-5 action. https://t.co/jAUEPz7X3B
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2025

Further reports suggested that the four-time NBA champion was taking a slow approach, and was expected to make a return in mid-November. As his season’s debut date is nearing, ESPN’s Shams Charania shared a positive update about James. Charania reported that the 21-time All-Star has been cleared to play contact basketball. He will undergo reassessment in one-two weeks to determine whether he is ready for five-on-five practice.

Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Addresses LeBron James’ Injury Concerns

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed LeBron James’ injury concerns. He said that the Lakers don’t have a fixed target date, but they are following a general timeline. “Obviously, this thing has to continue to progress with all of his return-to-play protocols,” Redick said. “So we don’t have, like, a target date. It’s just somewhere in that general timeline. We hope that he’s kind of checked all the boxes and is going to be back sometime in that second or third week in November.”

According to some more sources, James has been diligent in solo workouts and is now aiming to progress to the next phase, which is full-contact scrimmages. According to sources close to the four-time MVP, he could participate in G League practices with the South Bay Lakers, as early as next week.

Notably, the Lakers will now be up against the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks, next. James is expected to miss all these games, but could make his seasonal debut on November 18, against the Utah Jazz.

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.