LeBron James hasn’t missed a beat since returning from sciatica, averaging 17.7 points and 8.7 assists in three games so far. But at one point, his return to play process involved an intriguing component: practicing with the team’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
While many were surprised that an all-time great hit the floor with G Leaguers, James took the assignment in stride, discussing his brief stint in a podcast episode.
LeBron James Reflects on Practicing with G League Lakers
In a Friday episode of “Mind the Game” alongside Hall of Famer Steve Nash, LeBron said that practicing in the G League was bigger than his recovery process.
“It could’ve been the South Bay Lakers or it could’ve been going to a recreation center and playing 5-on-5 versus guys, like I just love to hoop. … To finally get the clearance this week to go and play some 5-on-5 action, I had the luxury to have the South Bay Lakers in town while our big guys are out on the road. … I’m super appreciative and humble to be able to go out there, and kind of change their practice a bit to kind of fit me as well. Just super cool.”
Nash, who coached the Brooklyn Nets from 2020 to 2022, highlighted that player rehabilitation is a key purpose of the G League. He likened it to MLB players going to the minor leagues for extra reps.
“I think there’s a message here for everybody—whether you’re a two-way, you’re a first-round pick, you’re a player in the league. This is what [the G League] is there for. … You shouldn’t feel a way about going down to play on the G League team, practice with the G League team, get reps. I just think that’s really important for young players to hear. It’s about the game, and if you’re putting ego or perception in the way of getting better, it’s at a disservice to yourself.”
James agreed with Nash’s sentiment, adding: “Hopefully, the time I spent with these guys the last couple of days, they learned something from me, I learned something from them.”
Newest Laker Reflects on LeBron’s Time with South Bay
One of the newest members of the purple and gold got to see James’ G League practice up close. Drew Timme, who joined LA on a two-way contract, earlier this week, said:
“It was pretty crazy, man. I mean, that’s the GOAT. To be able to share the court with him, especially being a G-League team, that’s so outside of the normal, it was crazy. He came down, and our job was to help him get back into game speed, so we were just glad to help, and it was really cool to be able to hoop with him.”
Other Stars with G League Stints
James is not the only star whose road to recovery included a G League appearance. HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina compiled a list of stars that practiced in the NBA’s developmental league, including Amar’e Stoudemire (2012-13), Blake Griffin (2017-18), Steph Curry (2020), Kawhi Leonard (2012, 2024) and even Anthony Davis (2025). One of the latest stars to rehab in the G League is LaMelo Ball, who was assigned to the Greensboro Swarm while recovering from an ankle injury and, similar to James, scrimmaged with the team.
It goes to show, to James’ and Nash’s points, the G League is more than a place for extra reps and call-ups. It’s where even the greats can work their way back to full strength and connect with young players on their own journeys to the NBA.
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