LeBron James practices with the Lakers’ G League affiliate as he prepares for his season debut

LeBron James remains without a precise timeline for his season debut with the Los Angeles Lakers.

But it looks like it’s coming sooner rather than later.

Coach JJ Redick told reporters Monday that James was working out with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. It’s unclear whether the Lakers intended to make his practice status public, but Redick let it slip while singing James’ praises to reporters.

“He’s literally training with South Bay today,” Redick said amid comments praising James.

Announcement

James, 40, has been sidelined by sciatica since training camp and missed the Lakers’ first 10 games of the season before Redick’s upgrade. And he will miss more.

The Lakers announced Thursday that James had been cleared for contact and would be reevaluated in a week or two for his return to the court. Redick’s update is the team’s first since then and came ahead of Monday’s trip to the Hornets.

The Lakers have three more road games against the Thunder, Pelicans and Bucks before returning to Los Angeles for a home game on Nov. 18 against the Utah Jazz. That home game would appear to be the logical time for James to return to action, if he is ready. But – once again – there is no precise timeline for his return.

Announcement

The Lakers thrived despite James’ absence and injuries that sidelined Luka Dončić for four of the first 10 games. They entered Monday with a mark of 7-3, good for fourth place in the Western Conference.