Los Angeles Lakers have suffered a huge blow as their veteran LeBron James is expected to miss at least one or two weeks of action due to a groin strain, according to reports in ESPN. The Lakers would not want to hurry James and it would be prudent that he recovers fully before he returns to the court.
James exited Saturday’s loss to the Boston Celtics with 6:44 remaining in the fourth quarter and did not return to action due to discomfort. The Celtics were able to break the Lakers’ eight-game winning streak.
After the loss, James said the injury wasn’t serious and said he would take the treatment on a day-to-day basis.
The 22-year NBA veteran missed 17 games during the 2018-19 season after suffering a torn groin on Christmas Day and knows what he is dealing with.
“I’ve been there before, and I know what type of injury you’re dealing with,” James said Saturday.
The 40-year-old is averaging 25 points on 51.7% shooting (38.4% from 3), 8.5 assists and 8.2 rebounds this season. Furthermore, he has played 58 out of the team’s 62 matches so far, which goes to show his incredible fitness.
The Lakers will play six matches in the next eight days and it would be crucial for the franchise to manage James’ workload with guile as he holds the key for them at this phase of the league.
JJ Redick’s team currently has a 40-22 record and they are in third place in the Western Conference standings. The Los Angeles Lakers will next take on the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
