LeBron James injury update: Darvin Ham gives the latest on LA Lakers star's rehabilitation
LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham recently provided an update on LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell's injury status. Speaking to the media ahead of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Ham also shared how the team's approach would remain the same despite these injuries.
The LA Lakers were on a bit of a hot streak following the trade deadline. The Lakers managed to pull off some impressive wins against rather competitive teams. The momentum carried over after the All-Star break as well.
However, disaster struck in the shape of injuries to D'Angelo Russell and LeBron James. James' absence, in particular, has had an adverse impact on the team's performance.
With this in mind, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham offered an update on James' condition ahead of the game on Tuesday night.
He said:
"He's going through the diagnostic process, the medical evaluation, it's ongoing so we'll wait and see what our people come back with."
Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell also asked what message Ham was sending to the team regarding the uncertainty surrounding James' return.
He responded with:
"We had a meeting this morning. Watched a little film in preparation for Memphis and I just told them three things. We got to continue to play the right way. We got to continue to be together. We also got to continue on with the mission. The mission hasn't changed for us. The goal of securing a playoff spot is still very much alive."
Ham was also asked to give an update on D'Angelo Russell.
"We'll see. I doubt if he plays tomorrow," he said.
Darvin Ham with an update on LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell. https://t.co/5199iyd4JT
LeBron James sustained an ankle injury during the game against the Dallas Mavericks. James went down in the third quarter. However, he still managed to play the rest of the game.
This courtside conversation between LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes 👀
(via oneway_estabon/Instagram) https://t.co/H8flCRQgXh
Meanwhile, Russell suffered an ankle injury after a minor run-in with Golden State Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo. Although he left the game right away, MRI scans showed that there was no fracture.
The Lakers have a solid team, even with the two players sidelined. However, given the position they're in at this point in the season, not a lot can be left to chance.
LeBron James expected to be out for at least two weeks
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James is expected to miss some time due to his injury. According to ESPN analyst Adrian Wojnarowski, James will be re-evaluated in two weeks' time. However, there is no timeline for a return at the moment.
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.
LeBron James' absence has already been felt as the Purple and Gold lost their first game since returning from the All-Star break.
LA will now need to settle into a rhythm again. With only one game separating them and the teams in the play-in picture, the Lakers still have a shot at making it to the postseason.