Before LeBron James returned to Lakers practice on Monday, his brief stint with the franchise’s G League affiliate gave coaches and players a chance to witness James up close.
The NBA’s 40-year-old all-time leading scorer has been sidelined with sciatica so far this season, and as his recovery progressed, he spent multiple days assigned to the South Bay Lakers. While there, James participated in his first 5-on-5 practice of the season.
“To have the greatest player of all time join your practice, first and foremost, what an opportunity for each and every one of us to be a part of it,” Guthrie told reporters. “To just be a small part of his journey, his 23rd season, getting him back to health and getting him back to playing where he should be, playing with the Lakers — it’s an unbelievable experience.”
Guthrie added, “I talked to (the G League players) about the two days of practice. I was like, look at this dude’s practice habits. Look at how he’s the first one in, how he approaches it, how his mind is completely locked in, completely dialed, and completely focused. His prep beforehand and after — how he takes care of his body is incredible. So there’s a lot to learn and a lot for our guys to take from that, in addition to the wonderful experience that they have.”
Asked SB Head Coach Zach Guthrie what it was like having LeBron James at his G-League practice:
“To have the greatest player of all time, join your practice…What an opportunity for each and every one of us..something unbelievable for me as I’m typing up my practice plan to… pic.twitter.com/U9ha3NvL4C
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) November 17, 2025
Guthrie who worked as an NBA assistant coach with the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards before taking over the Lakers’ G League unit, also described how it felt to be able to call himself LeBron James’ coach — even if only for a couple of days.
“And something unbelievable for me,” he said, “as I’m typing up my practice plan, to type in ‘LeBron James’ is pretty crazy.”
After the brief ramp-up, James is expected to return to Lakers practice Monday, with no official word on when he’ll make his season debut. When he does, he will set a new record for NBA seasons played, at 23.
Without James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have led the Lakers to a 10–4 start, good for fourth in the Western Conference.