LeBron James, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has been out of action for several weeks due to a foot injury. As the regular NBA season enters its final stretch, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating his return to the court. With the playoffs looming, the question on everyone’s mind is whether James will be able to come back in time to help his team make a deep run. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at James’s injury, his recovery timeline, and what his return could mean for the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James update: The latest on LeBron’s foot injury
February 26 – Two weeks ago, during the game against the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James fell to the floor during the third quarter after an apparent foot injury.
March 3 – After the game, James revealed he “heard a pop”. Eventually, the team’s physician diagnosed him with a right foot tendon injury. Earlier in March, it was reported that he will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
March 15 – In an interview with The Rally, NBA insider sounded on LeBron’s injury update. In his own words, Shams said: “I’m told (LeBron’s) right foot is feeling much better … the Lakers are bracing as if he will need a significant chunk of the remainder of the regular season to ramp up for a return.”
Will LBJ be able to return before the 2023 playoffs?
There is no timeline for LeBron’s return yet but the Lakers’ head coach, Darvin Ham, is optimistic the 38-year-old superstar will return to the court just in time for the playoffs.
As mentioned above, Shams Charania said LBJ’s foot is recovering very well. Moreover, during pregame warmups against the New Orleans Pelicans yesterday, LeBron James was spotted on the court while shooting free throws. He even has already removed his walking boot. However, he still needs to be re-evaluated this week. There are reports that there are no issues on his bone structure and there is no need for a foot surgery. With his current status, there’s no doubt LeBron could come back before the playoffs on April. That is, if they make the Play-In tournament.
The Los Angeles Lakers and their pursuit for the Play-In tournament
The purple and gold has been on a good stretch lately. Since trading Russell Westbrook, the Lakers have been 9-5. LeBron’s co-star, Anthony Davis, has also been in on a tear by putting on stellar performances. He truly has been carrying the squad without LeBron.
Currently, the Los Angeles Lakers are sitting on the 10th seed in the Western Conference. They’re competiting to secure a spot for the Play-In tournament which could put them in the 2023 playoffs. However, the west is a bloodbath with the 8th to 13th seed fighting for a win.
Before being sideline, LeBron James was having an ecstatic season. In 47 games, The King averaged 29.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 8.4 rebounds. The new-look Lakers roster are indeed better than what they were last year. They have great role players to go along with James and Davis. But, will they make it out alive of the West?
Do you think LeBron James will be back just in time for the playoffs? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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