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.
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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.
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.
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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.
