The King’s Comeback Imminent? LeBron James Returns To Lakers’ Training After G-League Stint

LeBron James in training (X)

The whole “he likes me, he likes me not” waiting game Laker fans have been stuck in might finally be nearing a conclusion.

After weeks of watching the team surge without him, LeBron James appears to be closing in on his long-awaited 2025-26 season debut.

James has been sidelined since early October after being diagnosed with sciatica, an issue that kept him completely off the court for more than a month.

But momentum shifted last week when he quietly logged multiple practices with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, full 5-on-5 sessions included, with no setbacks reported.

And now, according to ESPNthe next step is already lined up.

“LeBron James has been reassigned back to the Los Angeles Lakers from their G League affiliate and will be a full participant at practice Monday as his season debut nears, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday,” Dave McMenamin reported.

James had spent several days working with South Bay while the Lakers wrapped up a gruelling five-game cross-country road trip.

That road trip turned out just fine without him. Los Angeles went 3-2, capping the stretch with a statement 119-95 win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

The Lakers now sit at 10-4, good for fourth in the Western Conference, and have shown surprising cohesion for a team missing its 39-year-old centerpiece.

When James finally checks in for his first official action of the season, he’ll make a little more history — again. The debut will mark the start of his 23rd season, an NBA record for most seasons played. Even last year, deep into his late-thirties, James put up 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game while earning both All-Star and All-NBA Second Team honours.

The Lakers may have shown they can stay afloat without him, but there’s no question the countdown has officially begun.