This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lakers Make Key Roster Move With LeBron James As He Eyes Season Debut. Lakers star LeBron James has not yet played this season due to sciatica, but it appears the 40-year-old is nearing a return.

The Los Angeles Lakers are widely viewed as LeBron James' and Luka Dončić's team, but head coach JJ Redick talked this week about his goal of elevating Austin Reaves to their status in terms of being a leader.

Luka Doncic is enjoying playing alongside this Los Angeles Lakers roster, even with injuries leading to shorthanded wins.

LeBron James has taken a key step toward returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. On Wednesday, he practiced in El Segundo, California, with the team's G-League affiliate.

LeBron James didn't join the Los Angeles Lakers for their road trip this week, but he's still getting work against high-level competition.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick credited the players for taking ownership of their poor performance against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Lakers issued a positive update Thursday on James' status, noting he is cleared for basketball activities and will begin ramping up to 5-on-5 work. The Lakers will re-evaluate James in 1-2 weeks to see how his body is responding to getting back on the court.

Lakers land 2023 1st-round pick for G League roster in South Bay originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. It's been a quick and odd career path so far for the 2023 No. 15 overall pick, Kobe Bufkin.