The Los Angeles Lakers announced Thursday that LeBron James has been cleared for contact basketball activities and will be re-evaluated in one to two weeks.

James has missed the first nine games of the season while dealing with sciatica. The next step in his return to the court is ramping up to 5-on-5 action, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, who reported Wednesday night on "NBA Countdown" that James won't travel on the Lakers' upcoming five-game road trip.

"It’s unclear whether he’s going to be able to get that live action while the team is on the road, potentially doing it with the G League South Bay team, or do the Lakers and LeBron wait for the team to get back on Nov. 16, and then the live play process can begin then?" Charania explained on "NBA Countdown."

He continued Wednesday: "I was told today that Lakers personnel are still operating under the belief that LeBron James’ debut will be around mid-November, but this is uncharted territory.”

James turns 41 in December. He's preparing to embark on his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.

While sidelined, he's watch the Lakers start 7-2. They most recently held off Victor Wembanyama and the playoff-hungry San Antonio Spurs.

This story is being updated.