LeBron James injury update: Insider believes “Friday would be soon” for return
The LA Lakers continue to face injury issues. Their superstar LeBron James recently sat out another game. With James' injury situation raising concerns, ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne offered an update.
The Lakers' 37-year-old star sustained a left adductor sprain during the team's game against the LA Clippers on November 10. He was seen walking off the court with a pained expression in the fourth quarter of the game.
Although he didn't appear too concerned about the injury during the post-game interview, the Lakers superstar has gone on to miss two games in a row. To add to this, the Purple and Gold could potentially see him miss the next game against the Detroit Pistons as well.
With James being listed as questionable on the injury report, however, there is some hope for a timely return to action. Ramona Shelbourne offered the latest update on LeBron James' injury situation on NBA Today. She said:
"They don't have a game until Friday and Darvin Ham said they're going to be very cautious with this injury. He's basically just going to rest as much as he can this week, to give that injury time to heal before he goes for a very slow ramp up.
"I think Friday would be soon if you think about him playing, you never know with LeBron James. Getting that win against Brooklyn was a good start in buying him and the team some time."
.@ramonashelburne with the latest on how the Lakers are handling LeBron's injury: https://t.co/TN3FN3emYy
Considering that the Lakers haven't been the most impressive side to start the season, James' absence could have an adverse impact on the team. Shorthanded on the superstar front, the Purple and Gold could face the same tragic outcomes from last season.
However, as Shelbourne mentioned, an impressive win against the Nets certainly gives the Lakers some breathing room.
Related: Watch: Russell Westbrook with the lockdown defense on former teammate Kevin Durant on multiple possessions
The decision to treat James' injury with the utmost care could be beneficial in the long run. The Purple and Gold also have more pressing matters to address as they find themselves among the bottom rungs of the West.
LeBron James' injury adds to the LA Lakers' plight
The LA Lakers have been monumentally unfortunate when it comes to injuries in the last few seasons. And in light of LeBron James' current injury situation, the Lakers could be forced to relive those tragedies again.
Also Read: When LeBron James' injury to his groin in the 2018-19 NBA season derailed the LA Lakers’ season
This season appeared to be different as the team seemed fairly healthy to start the season. Barring the absences of Thomas Bryant and Dennis Schroder, the Lakers featured most of their main rotation in place.
Despite their health status, the Purple and Gold have struggled to notch wins. In this regard, an injury sustained by James does very little to help their situation.
Although the team have had a 1-1 record since he went down, the Lakers would certainly prefer to have him back on the floor immediately.
As their primary offensive weapon, even in year 20, the Lakers will have to be more careful with managing James' offensive responsibilities.
With LeBron still averaging 35+ minutes a game, the Purple and Gold may be putting him in a position to face more injury issues.