LeBron James is expected to be out of action for one to two weeks due to a groin strain he sustained during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter, and James left the game after trying to make a shot over Jaylen Brown. He finished the game with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists in a 111-101 loss.
After the game, James expressed little concern about the injury, comparing it to a more severe groin strain he suffered in 2018. That injury caused him to miss 17 games and lingered throughout the season. He will be reevaluated after 24 hours to determine the extent of the current injury.
Despite the setback, James remains optimistic and plans to travel with the team for their upcoming road trip, which includes games against the Brooklyn Nets. He emphasized the need to take it day by day and consult with his trainer to determine the best course of action.
In his 58 games this season, James has been a key player for the Lakers, averaging 25 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. He has been instrumental in the team’s recent success, with eight wins in their last ten games.
The injury could see James miss important matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, both vying for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. With a tight race in the standings, every game is crucial for the Lakers as they aim to secure a favorable playoff position.
As of now, the Lakers are trailing behind the Nuggets in the standings, with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets also in close contention. James’ absence will be felt, but the team is focused on managing the injury and maintaining their competitive edge in the postseason race.