The Los Angeles Lakers are currently 8-3 heading into their matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, having managed to stack wins without superstar forward LeBron James, who’s missed the first 11 games of the season due to a sciatic issue.

While James is set to miss the remainder of the Lakers’ current road trip — which has them preparing for the third of five games before returning home — there’s positive news on his recovery. James was recently assigned to the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, to participate in his first full 5-on-5 practice, signaling strong progress toward his anticipated mid-November return, potentially as early as next week.

Also on Wednesday, during ESPN’s " First Take, " Stephen A. Smith, whose relationship with James has

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