Fans are curious to know when LeBron James will make his regular-season debut with the LA Lakers. Due to a sciatica problem, he hasn't played basketball in the 2025–26 season. The injury has prevented him from participating in the team's training camp and preseason games.On Wednesday, ESPN's Dave McMenamin gave a positive update on James' recovery. The four-time champion reportedly joined the South Bay Lakers for practice. That was followed by another session with the G-League affiliate on Thursday, where James had full participation.On Friday, McMenamin reported that James could rejoin the NBA team at Monday's practice. The Lakers are currently on a five-game road trip, which concludes Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The ESPN reporter gave the update on the latest edition of "NBA Today."“He is now in the mode of, if he continues to have this progression, he can get a practice with the Lakers on Monday when they return off this five-game road trip,” McMenamin said.“And then there’s a game on Tuesday. We’re in the timing now where we can be looking at the schedule next week and say, 'Hey, that could be the game where we see LeBron James making his season debut’.”This is the first time James has missed a season opener. For the past 22 seasons, he has consistently played in the first game of each campaign for all the teams he has been with. The sciatica issue ended his two-decade streak.Even without him, however, the Lakers have started the season well. Thanks to strong performances from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the team is 8-4.LeBron James was a full participant in the "intense" second practice with the South Bay LakersLeBron James and the Lakers are taking the necessary steps to ensure he is 100% before his season debut. He participated fully in his second session with the G-League team, according to South Bay coach Zach Guthrie.A source also told ESPN that the session was "intense," but that did not stop James from taking part in practice."A source present for Wednesday’s practice told ESPN the workout was “intense” as James prepares to become the first player in NBA history to suit up for a 23rd season," McMenamin reported."In Thursday’s practice, run by South Bay coach Zach Guthrie, James was a full participant once again, sources said, and was able to complete the 5-on-5 live portion without any lingering pain or soreness in his lower back or right side."LeBron James is expected to make history once he debuts this season, becoming the only player to play 23 seasons in the NBA.