The Los Angeles Lakers have been grappling with a four-game losing streak following the absence of superstar forward LeBron James, who sustained a groin injury.
However, just as concerns over the team’s struggles mounted, they received an encouraging update on James’ recovery.
The injury occurred during the Lakers’ March 8 loss to the Boston Celtics, and the following day, the team confirmed that James would be sidelined for at least two weeks as he recovers.
“Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss at least one to two weeks with a groin strain,” Shams Charania of ESPN initially reported last week. “James will wait for the groin injury to calm down Sunday and receive another evaluation, sources told ESPN, but the Lakers are braced to be without him for a period of time and will be cautious as they hold the third seed in the Western Conference.”
The Lakers have struggled in James’ absence, falling to the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets. However, there is optimism on the horizon, as James appears to be nearing a return.
On Sunday, it was reported that he participated in on-court activities for the first time since sustaining the injury, marking a significant step in his recovery.
“I’m told LeBron James is actually having his first workout since that groin strain last weekend, he’s having his first on-court workout in Los Angeles here today,” Charania said on “NBA Countdown.” “He is expected, though, to miss at least another week. His exact return will be based on how his body responds to increased activity over the coming days and the coming week.”
James has delivered another stellar season for the Lakers, averaging 25 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field.
Los Angeles will look to regain momentum when they face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. EST.
