The Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James’ recovery from a left groin strain will extend for at least another week, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania during an appearance on NBA Countdown. This update aligns with Charania’s initial report from last Sunday, which projected a one-to-two-week absence for James.
Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James To Miss Another Week
Charania revealed that James engaged in his first on-court workout since sustaining the injury on March 8th. However, the Lakers are proceeding cautiously, considering the nature of the soft-tissue injury and James’ heavy workload this season, which followed his participation in the Olympics last summer. Despite this, head coach J.J. Redick informed reporters that James is “ramping up” and is being evaluated on a “day-to-day” basis.
Los Angeles has struggled in James’ absence, losing road games in Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and Denver, in addition to the Boston game where he was injured. They have returned to Los Angeles and are beginning a five-game home stand.
While James is expected to miss the entire home stand, there are positive injury updates. Starting center Jaxson Hayes will return against the Phoenix Suns after missing four games due to a knee contusion. Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent, who were inactive in Denver, are also available. Furthermore, there’s optimism that Rui Hachimura, who has been sidelined since February 27th with a knee issue, will return within the week.
The 40-25 Lakers are currently fifth in the Western Conference, facing a tight race for playoff positioning. They are 1.5 games behind the Rockets, Nuggets, and Grizzlies, who are tied for third, and two games ahead of the Golden State Warriors.