LeBron James has missed the first eight games of the Lakers‘ season and will miss at least a few more, but he’s preparing for the next step in his journey to getting back on the court, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania (Twitter video link).
“LeBron James has been working out individually, and I’ve been told that the next step for him is five-on-five live play,” Charania explained.
Charania adds that James will not be traveling with the team on its five-game road trip that starts in Atlanta this weekend, following tonight’s game against the Spurs. It’s not certain if that live action would occur with the team’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, who will be practicing in El Segundo, California, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, or if James will rejoin the team once it returns from the road trip on November 15.
ESPN’s Malika Andrews notes in the conversation with Charania that this would indicate that the earliest James would return is November 18 against the Jazz.
The Lakers have started the season 6-2 heading into Wednesday’s game against the Lakers, despite missing not only James but also Luka Doncic, who has missed four of the team’s eight games.
McMenamin notes that once James plays his first game, he will officially become the first player to play 23 seasons in the NBA.
Retire, bum. Stop stealing money.
40 year old year 23 LeBron is currently better at his job then you will every be at anything in your entire life.
Yes, you know all. Dude can’t even play.