LeBron James, the 40-year-old four-time NBA champion, stepped back onto the court for full team practice on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California — his first full workout since mid-June, when sciatica sidelined him for the longest absence of his 22-season career. The sight of him moving without restriction, drilling pocket passes and hitting 15-foot jumpers, sent a ripple through the Lakers’ locker room. But here’s the thing: he might not play Tuesday night.
One Step at a Time
James, who missed all 15 games of the 2025-2026 season, described his recovery as "repetition, repetition, repetition, rehabing, rehabbing, rehabbing." His words, captured in a Swish Cultures video at timestamp ts:160, weren’t just motivational fluff. They were the blueprint. For five months, he’s treated recovery like a daily ritual — not a race. "We’ve been taking literally one minute, one hour, one step at a time," he said during a post-practice interview at ts:195. The Cleveland-born legend, born December 30, 1984, has been silent since the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22. Now, he’s back in motion.There were no setbacks, according to Silver Screen and Roll, the SB Nation outlet. Teammates like Austin Reaves, Jake Kyrie Jr., Marcus Morris Sr., and Maxwell Lewis worked alongside him in drills from ts:648 to ts:658. He moved fluidly behind the basket, showed no limp, and even laughed during a 3-on-2 transition. But the man who’s played 1,600+ NBA games doesn’t take this lightly. "See how I feel this afternoon, see how I feel tonight," he told reporters. That’s the new mantra.
Coach Redick’s Calculated Caution
Head coach Jeffrey Lynn Redick, 39, isn’t giving an inch. In his first season after replacing Darvin Ham, Redick’s leadership style leans toward discipline over drama. "His status remains TBD for Tuesday’s game," he repeated twice during his media session. Redick, born June 24, 1986, in Knoxville, Tennessee, knows the stakes. The Lakers are 6-9. The Utah Jazz, their opponent at Crypto.com Arena, are 7-8. A win here matters. But so does not risking James’ long-term health."We’ll evaluate his physical response over the next 24 hours," Redick said. The final call won’t come until the team’s 11:00 AM PST shootaround on November 18. The NBA’s injury protocol requires the Lakers to submit their official report by 2:30 PM PST — meaning fans will be left guessing until the final hours. "Questionable" on the injury report means a 50% chance of playing. But with James, numbers don’t tell the whole story.
The Weight of a 40-Year-Old Legend
James is under a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension signed on August 3, 2024. He’s earning $48.55 million this season alone. That’s not just money — it’s legacy. He’s the face of a franchise that hasn’t won a title since 2020. His absence has exposed the Lakers’ depth issues. Reaves and Kyrie have carried the offense, but without James’ playmaking and gravity, they’re fighting uphill.And yet, his return isn’t just about stats. It’s about presence. When James is on the floor, defenses collapse. Passes find their target. Young players play with confidence. The Lakers are 0-15 without him. They’re 13-2 in his last 15 starts before the injury. That’s not coincidence. It’s gravity.
His sciatica began in mid-June, he confirmed. That’s more than five months of pain, rehab, and patience. No surgery. No shortcuts. Just repetition. The same routine, day after day. That’s what makes this moment so remarkable — and so fragile.
What Comes Next?
If James plays Tuesday, it’ll be his first game since October 22. He’ll be on a minutes restriction. Expect 20-25 minutes, maybe less. If he sits, the Lakers face a brutal stretch: three games in four nights, including road trips to Phoenix and Denver. They can’t afford to lose more ground in the Western Conference.But here’s the twist: James might be playing for more than wins. He’s playing for his own body. He’s 40. He’s played 50,000+ professional minutes. He knows what’s at stake. And he’s not rushing. Not this time.
The Lakers organization, founded in 1947 and now run by Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, isn’t just managing a player. They’re managing a phenomenon. And this isn’t just about Tuesday night. It’s about the next 10 games. The next 10 months. The next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has LeBron James been out with sciatica, and what exactly is sciatica?
LeBron James has been sidelined since mid-June 2025 — roughly five months — due to sciatica, a condition where the sciatic nerve, running from the lower back down the legs, becomes compressed or irritated. This often causes sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. Unlike a muscle strain, sciatica can linger for months without surgery, requiring careful rehab and pacing — which is exactly what James has done.
Why is the Lakers’ decision about playing him so uncertain?
Despite completing full practice without setbacks, James’ body will be monitored for 24 hours after exertion. The team must assess inflammation, soreness, and mobility before risking him in a high-stakes game. The NBA’s "questionable" designation reflects a 50% chance of playing — but with James, the decision is less about probability and more about protecting his legacy and long-term health.
What impact does James’ absence have on the Lakers’ playoff chances?
Without James, the Lakers are 0-15 this season. Their offense has dropped from 118.4 points per game with him to 109.7 without him, per NBA Advanced Stats. They’re currently 10th in the Western Conference, just one game out of the play-in. Every loss without him erodes their margin for error. His return, even in limited minutes, could be the spark they need to climb back into contention.
Is this the longest injury absence of LeBron James’ career?
Yes. James has missed games before — notably 20 games in 2018 with a groin strain and 13 in 2021 with a high ankle sprain — but never 15 consecutive games. This marks the longest stretch he’s sat out since entering the league in 2003. It underscores how serious sciatica can be, even for elite athletes, and why his cautious return is being treated with such reverence.
How does James’ age affect his recovery timeline?
At 40, James’ body heals slower than it did in his 20s. Recovery from nerve-related injuries like sciatica takes longer for older athletes due to reduced circulation and slower tissue regeneration. But his training regimen — including cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, and personalized nutrition — is among the most advanced in the league. That’s why he’s back on the court at all. It’s not just talent. It’s science.
What happens if James plays Tuesday and re-injures himself?
A setback could jeopardize his 2026-2027 season, especially since his contract runs through 2026. The Lakers have no cap flexibility to replace him. A recurrence might force a more aggressive treatment — possibly even surgery — which could end his season and possibly threaten his ability to play beyond 2026. That’s why the team is being so cautious. This isn’t just about one game. It’s about whether he plays at 41.
