In a move that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has been temporarily assigned to the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League team, the South Bay Lakers. This unprecedented assignment comes as James gears up for what could become his 23rd regular-season debut, an NBA record no player has ever attempted.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the 40-year-old superstar has been sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to sciatica suffered during training camp. Wednesday marked the first full practice of the season for James, including 5-on-5 play, as he begins the final leg of his preparation. Lakers coach J.J. Redick confirmed the plan prior to the team’s win over Charlotte on Nov. 10, explaining that James would start with the G League squad to build conditioning and rhythm before returning to the main roster.
“This is about getting LeBron ready, not benching him,” Redick emphasized. “He’s been out all season, and this is the safest way to ramp up before he steps back onto an NBA court.”
The decision makes sense logistically. The Lakers are currently on a five-game road trip, and having James practice in Los Angeles with the South Bay Lakers allows him to stay in competitive shape while avoiding unnecessary travel stress. Despite his absence, the Lakers have thrived in the first 11 games of the regular season, boasting an 8-3 record, with Luka Doncic leading the charge at 37.3 points per game through seven appearances and Austin Reaves scoring 30.3 points per game over eight contests.
LeBron’s return is eagerly anticipated, with mid-November being the likely window for his official debut. The timing is crucial, as the Lakers are gearing up for critical matchups within the Pacific Division. The first showdown comes against the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 1, a team currently on a three-game win streak and positioned seventh in the Western Conference.
The temporary G League assignment is a rare moment in NBA history, as no player of LeBron’s stature has ever been sent down for conditioning purposes. But this strategic move underscores the Lakers’ careful approach to managing James’ health, aiming to ensure the 40-year-old superstar is fully prepared for a historic season that could extend his legendary career even further.
Fans across social media have already reacted with a mix of surprise and excitement. Many see it as a savvy, forward-thinking move, while others are stunned that a player of LeBron’s caliber would even need to step into the G League. Either way, all eyes are now on James as he takes his first G League practice swings—proof that even the greatest in the game sometimes take unconventional routes to maintain greatness.
One thing is clear: LeBron James is coming back, and the league better be ready.
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