LeBron James was at Los Angeles
The 37-year old didn’t plan to end the road trip early. However, as the swelling continues in his left knee, the concern of the Lakers has grown.
James missed Sunday’s third consecutive game due to left knee pain that has now become a more serious issue. Coach Frank Vogel stated that James flew back Saturday to receive treatment. He won’t be playing as long as there is swelling.
James’ knee was so bad that the team had to have an MRI. The MRI showed no swelling. The team was still concerned enough to get an MRI on James’ knee. This showed no swelling. has been dealing with injuries non-stop for the past season.
Sunday’s match against the Hawks saw the Lakers go 5-9 without James. Vogel dismissed all excuses, despite the fact that Anthony Davis was back and Russell Westbrook continuing his streak where he has played in every game.
Vogel stated, “We have to do it without LeBron.” We have enough. We have to play just a bit better than what we’ve been doing.
James was humming at an MVP level, before he injured his knee and missed Thursday’s Philadelphia game. James has scored 29.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game while shooting with an effective field goal percentage of 58.8%. James was playing a lot of his time at the center during Davis’ absence. He had been scoring only 25 points per game and just 32.5 points over the month prior to Davis’ departure.
James stated that he did not expect to reduce his workload in Miami, where Davis was playing one game before he returned.
He said, “I’m in one the most offensively efficient zones I’ve ever been in,” “And I don’t intend on stopping.”
The Lakers’ biggest problem this season has been the inability to get their stars together: Davis, James, and Westbrook have only played together in 51 games.
Davis stated Thursday that many of the team were surprised by James’s decision to sit out, considering how well he was playing. It’s an unfortunate irony that this has been happening quite often over the past two seasons.
Davis stated, “It’s not something that we aren’t used to — some games he missed earlier this year.” We’re used it, but he’s an important part of what we are trying to do and what was happening. He was playing out his mind.”
The Lakers will play Portland on Wednesday. Vogel stated that it was possible for James to return at that time.
Even if James returns to the game, it could force Lakers to seriously consider de-escalating their workload. James currently averages 36.6 minutes per contest, which is fifth in the NBA. He would have his highest minutes per game figure since 2018 in Cleveland if he maintained that average throughout the remainder of the season.
He said, “I think about that every day.” “We are always aware of his load, and in constant communication with him as well as the medical team.”
