Is LeBron James playing tonight against the Nuggets? Latest injury update on Lakers' star ahead of matchup (22nd May 2023)
LeBron James and the Lakers came up short again against the Nuggets in Game 3, despite getting the lead with 7:48 left in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets handled their business on the road and won 119-108.
For Game 4 at home, LeBron James is listed as probable because of right foot soreness. Given how this might be the Lakers' final game of the season, fans can assume that James will suit up.
In this series, LeBron has performed well but hasn't been as dominant as he looked against the Warriors in the second round. Against the Nuggets, LeBron James is averaging 23.7 points (48.1% shooting, but 15.8% from 3-point range), 10.3 assists and 9.3 rebounds.
During Game 3, the Lakers started the game poorly in the first quarter, reminiscent of their Game 1 start. They were down by 12 points by the end of the quarter as they shot 30.4%, including 28.6% from 3-point range. However, they bounced back in the second quarter with a 75.0% shooting, including 40.0% from 3-point range.
Despite trimming the deficit to just 3 points entering the second half, the Lakers never got the lead until 7:48 in the fourth quarter. But even after that turnaround, they still fell short in securing a much-needed win.
LeBron finished the game with 23 points (8-of-19 shooting, including 3-of-9 from 3-point range), 12 assists and seven rebounds. Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and LeBron James combined for 74 points but it still wasn't enough.
LeBron James' mentality down 3-0
Following the disappointing loss at home, LeBron spoke to the media regarding the team's mindset down 3-0 to the Nuggets.
"Just gotta get one," James said. "One at a time. So focus on Game 4. That's all you can really think about. I mean obviously, this game is over and done with. We had some opportunities, but we didn't come through. Just get ready for Monday. Just gotta get one. One-game series for us. Every game counts obviously."
With their season on the line tonight, the Lakers are going to need a collective effort from everyone on the team to get back on track.
LeBron came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Warriors in the 2016 finals but a 3-0 deficit is a whole different thing. No team in NBA history has come back from that deficit, but the Lakers can only focus with just one game at a time.