Lakers' LeBron James Cleared for Basketball Activities
The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that superstar forward LeBron James has been cleared for contact practice as part of his recovery from sciatica. The team confirmed that James has advanced to full "contact basketball activity" and will be reevaluated within one to two weeks.
"James has progressed to contact basketball activity," the Lakers said in a statement.
The 40-year-old, a 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA MVP now in his 23rd season, missed the start of the 2025–26 campaign due to right-side sciatica. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he will not travel with the team on its upcoming five-game road trip and will continue individual workouts before returning to live 5-on-5 sessions.
Several players have filled James’ spot in the starting lineup, including Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia. Despite his absence, the Lakers have maintained a strong start with a 7–2 record, the second-best in the Western Conference.
James continues to defy age, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last season. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić has emerged as a frontrunner for MVP, and Austin Reaves has impressed as a rising star during James’ recovery.
Author’s Summary
LeBron James has resumed contact play in his rehab for sciatica, with the Lakers thriving early in the season even as he works toward full return.