The Los Angeles Lakers will embark on a five-game road trip without LeBron James, who continues to ramp up his recovery from a right sciatica injury, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“LeBron James has been working out individually, and I’m told that the next step for him is 5-on-5 live play,” Charania said Wednesday on NBA Countdown. “He will not be traveling on the upcoming five-game week-long road trip that starts in Atlanta this weekend.”

Charania added that it remains unclear when or where James will participate in live scrimmages — potentially with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, or once the Lakers return home on November 16.

The 40-year-old, who turns 41 next month, is entering his record 23rd NBA season and has yet to appear in a game this year. The Lakers are targeting mid-November for his season debut, likely when they host the Utah Jazz on Nov. 18 at Crypto.com Arena.

Five-Game Road Trip Without LeBron James

The Lakers’ upcoming trip — which includes stops in Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Milwaukee — will test a roster already battling multiple injuries.

After the five-game stretch, the Lakers return home for the anticipated matchup against Utah, which could mark James’ return to action. The team will then visit the Jazz again on Nov. 23 before beginning a four-game homestand.

“I was told today that Lakers personnel are still operating in the belief that LeBron James’ debut will be around mid-November, but this is uncharted territory,” Charania noted. “He turns 41 next month, he’s in his 23rd record NBA season, and that’s why Rob Pelinka’s three offseason signings — Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart — have been so important, paying dividends with the depth without one of the best players of all time in LeBron James.”

JJ Redick Preaches Patience in LeBron’s Recovery

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said last week that the team is hopeful for James’ return in mid-November but emphasized the need to follow the return-to-play protocols carefully.

“Obviously, this thing has to continue to progress with all of his return-to-play protocols,” Redick said last week. “So we don’t have, like, a target date. It’s just somewhere in that general timeline. We hope that he’s kind of checked all the boxes and is going to be back sometime in that second or third week in November.”

James’ absence has forced Redick to rely on the team’s revamped rotation, with new additions Ayton, Smart, and LaRavia shouldering larger roles alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

Austin Reaves, Other Lakers Also Sidelined

The Lakers’ injury list continues to grow.

Reaves missed his second straight game on Wednesday due to right groin soreness, joining James, Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain), rookie Adou Thiero (left knee recovery) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) on the sidelines.

Redick told reporters before Wednesday’s game that the team is “being cautious with Reaves’ groin issue,” according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. His status for the start of the road trip remains “to be determined.”

Reaves has been the Lakers’ breakout star early this season, averaging 31.1 points, 9.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals through seven games. He leads the team in points (218), assists (65), three-pointers made (21), and plus-minus (+46) among starters while shooting 49% from the field.

Lakers Thriving Despite Injuries

Despite missing the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the Lakers have started the season 6-2, entering Wednesday’s primetime matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

With James nearing a return and Reaves expected back soon, the Lakers are optimistic that their depth and early-season chemistry will help them sustain momentum.