Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been cleared for contact as he inches closer to becoming the first player in NBA history to play in 23 seasons.

The Lakers announced on October 9 that the league’s all-time leading scorer would be out at least three to four weeks due to sciatica.

The 40-year-old James will now begin participating in 5-on-5 practices and be reevaluated again in one to two weeks.

Los Angeles have jumped out to a 7-2 start without James and are riding a five-game winning streak heading into the opener of a five-game road trip Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have led the Lakers early on, with Doncic averaging 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 9.2 assists and Reaves contributing 31.1 points, 9.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Lakers' LeBron James has officially been cleared for contact basketball activities and will be re-evaluated in one to two weeks. Next step, ramping up to 5-on-5 action. https://t.co/jAUEPz7X3B

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2025