The Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James has been cleared to resume basketball activities after missing the first nine games due to a sciatica issue. The team, which sits at 7-2 and second in the Western Conference, will re-evaluate James in one to two weeks. Despite injuries to key players, the Lakers have thrived early in the season.
The Los Angeles Lakers issued a positive injury update on LeBron James on Thursday, stating that the star forward is now cleared for basketball activities and will begin ramping up toward 5-on-5 work. James has yet to play this season due to sciatica, missing all nine games as the Lakers compiled a 7-2 record. The team plans to re-evaluate his progress in 1-2 weeks to assess his response to on-court activity.
James' absence has been the most prominent among several injuries affecting the Lakers' top players. Luka Dončić missed four games with a lower leg injury but has averaged 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game when playing. Austin Reaves, sidelined for the last two games with groin soreness, has posted 31.1 points and 9.3 assists per game. Other absences include Gabe Vincent (five games), Jaxson Hayes and Austin Reaves (two each), Deandre Ayton (one full game and part of another), and Marcus Smart (one game).
Despite the lineup instability, the Lakers have performed impressively. They hold the sixth-best offensive rating in the league and a league-average defense. Offseason additions have contributed significantly: Deandre Ayton averages 17.5 points and 8.4 rebounds as the starting center, Jake LaRavia provides 3-point shooting off the bench, and Marcus Smart bolsters defense and ball-handling. Rui Hachimura has also delivered strong play.
Coach JJ Redick has managed the challenges effectively, with the team winning seven of nine games, including a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. James' return presents integration hurdles, as his preferred style must mesh with the current dynamic involving Dončić and Reaves. Reports suggest potential growing pains, but the Lakers' early success aligns with James' stated desire for a championship contender.
James is expected to miss the upcoming five-game road trip starting Saturday and could return by mid-November.