Lakers superstar LeBron James to be re-evaluated in three weeks
The path toward securing a playoff spot just became much more daunting for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Star forward LeBron James is sidelined with a right foot injury. The issue flared up during last Sunday’s comeback win against the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers will have to be without the 19-time All-Star for at least three weeks, when he’ll be re-examined.
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James has been dealing with lingering foot issues throughout the 2022-23 campaign and suffered a setback against the Mavericks. The initial hope was that the 38-year-old would miss a short stretch before returning.
Instead, James could miss much more time than three weeks. All of this depends on the Lakers’ push toward at least earning a spot in the play-in tournament.
Los Angeles holds a 1-2 record since James’ injury after suffering a disappointing 110-102 home loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. The Lakers are currently only one game behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the 10th seed with 19 games left in the regular season.
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James had been putting together an impressive 20th season before the injury, averaging 29.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists while shooting 50.1 percent from the floor in 36.1 minutes per contest in 47 games.
Los Angeles has also been dealing with injuries in the backcourt with trade-deadline acquisition D’Angelo Russell sidelined with an ankle injury. Russell recently ramped up his activity, which could see him return for Sunday’s home game against the Golden State Warriors.
