NBA News Today: LeBron James expected to miss at least 2-3 weeks, Patrick Beverley reveals he requested trade away from Lakers, and more
LA Lakers star forward LeBron James is expected to miss at least two to three weeks due to his right foot injury.
In other news, former LA Lakers point guard Patrick Beverley said that he requested a trade ahead of the trade deadline.
On that note, here is the latest news from around the NBA as of March 1, 2023.
LeBron James expected to miss at least 2-3 weeks with foot injury
LeBron James suffered a right foot injury on Sunday versus Dallas. Following his initial evaluation on Monday, it was reported that James would miss an extended period. Per multiple reports, a clearer timeline has now been revealed regarding how long James is expected to be sidelined.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, James will have his injury reassessed in two weeks, however, he is expected to be out longer.
ESPN Sources: LeBron James’s right foot is expected to be reassessed in two weeks to see how much progress he’s made, but timeline on return expected to extend beyond that checkpoint. Where Lakers reside in standings by then could impact how soon it makes sense for him to return.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that James is expected to miss at least two to three weeks.
“LeBron James is expected to miss an indefinite amount of time… I’m told likely at least 2 or 3 weeks”
@ShamsCharania with the latest on LeBron’s foot injury 🤕
#RunItBack https://t.co/nk2BpXx0Cd
The Lakers (29-33, 12th in the West) are 5-10 without James this season and 24-23 with him. So, James’ injury could mark a fatal blow to the Lakers’ playoff hopes.
James is averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 0.9 steals per game on 50.1% shooting through 47 games.
Patrick Beverley says he requested trade from Lakers
Patrick Beverley played 45 games for the LA Lakers this season before being shipped to the Orlando Magic ahead of the trade deadline. Beverley was subsequently bought out by Orlando and signed a deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Many fans assumed that the Lakers traded Beverley due to his questionable fit with the team. However, according to the veteran point guard, he requested a trade out of LA.
Beverley broke down the reasoning for his trade request on a recent episode of "The Pat Bev Podcast."
"To some people, it could be that Pat Bev got traded. In all reality, it was like, 'No, I didn't like what was going on, and let's find a better home for me,'" Beverley said.
"Not that 'he ain't good enough, let's get rid of him.' All that s**t was my decision. You gotta think, I'm making a decision that was my decision,” Beverley continued.
Beverley averaged 6.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.6 apg and 0.9 spg on 40.2% shooting in 45 games with LA. The Lakers (29-33, 12th in the West) went 21-24 with Beverley.
Kevin Durant expected to make Suns debut on Wednesday
Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant has been out since January 8 with a right MCL sprain. He has yet to suit up for Phoenix since being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Suns in a blockbuster deal on February 9. However, according to the team, Durant is expected to make his much-anticipated debut on Wednesday (March 1) against Charlotte (20-43, 14th in the East).
Kevin Durant is expected to make his Phoenix Suns debut tomorrow in Charlotte.
𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰. ⌛️
#WeAreTheValley https://t.co/JMRID1LDf3
Following practice on Tuesday, Durant told reporters that he hasn’t felt pain in his knee in “a couple of weeks,” and that he “feels great.”
Kevin Durant said he hasn't felt pain in his knee in "a couple of weeks." #Suns https://t.co/z0MTcXeW80
"I feel great."
Kevin Durant as he'll make his #Suns debut Wednesday at Charlotte. https://t.co/R3rXtTigLw
Durant averaged 29.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 5.3 apg and 1.5 bpg on 55.9% shooting in 39 games with Brooklyn.
Phoenix (33-29) sits fourth in the West ahead of Durant’s debut.
LaMelo Ball out for season with ankle injury
Charlotte Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball suffered a fractured right ankle on Monday versus Detroit. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Ball has now been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball will miss the remainder of the season with his fractured right ankle, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Ball has had multiple left ankle sprains this season before suffering the right ankle fracture on Monday night.
Ball has played in just 36 total games this season after previously suffering multiple left ankle sprains. He finishes the season with averages of 23.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 8.4 apg, 1.3 spg and 4.0 3pg on 41.1% shooting.
Charlotte (20-43, 14th in the East) was just starting to turn a corner having won five straight games. So, losing Ball for the season will likely be a tough blow for the rebuilding Hornets.
The Hornets are 13-23 with Ball and 7-20 without him this season.
Raptors sign Will Barton
Veteran wing Will Barton signed a deal with the Toronto Raptors (31-32, ninth in the East) on Tuesday, following his buyout from the Washington Wizards. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN Sources: Free agent G Will Barton is signing with the Toronto Raptors. After completing buyout with Wizards, Barton will join Toronto and be eligible for a playoff roster. He’s played in 29 career postseason games with Nuggets and Blazers.
Barton is expected to add some much-needed depth to the Raptors’ bench. Following his signing, Barton played four minutes off the bench for Toronto on Tuesday versus Chicago. He went scoreless with one assist. However, his playing time is expected to ramp up once he gets acclimated to his new team.
Barton averaged 7.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.4 apg and 1.3 3pg per game on 38.7% shooting in 40 games with Washington.