As the Los Angeles Lakers' march toward the 2024-25 NBA playoffs continues, so does LeBron James' injury situation. The four-time NBA MVP is currently sidelined for a week or two with a groin injury, leaving Lakers fans wondering if James can fully recover in time for the postseason.
Life without James didn't start off well as the Lakers fell 111-108 to the Brooklyn Nets in the first game of his absence earlier this week. JJ Redick's team has had a few days to learn from that loss before facing the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, leaving time to tell if L.A. can return to the win column against Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co.
But just before they're set to take on the Bucks, the Lakers received some much-needed positive news regarding their injured superstar.
Lakers News: LeBron James Returns to LA, Groin Injury 'Progressing Well'
On Wednesday evening, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Lakers have sent James back to Los Angeles to continue his recovery. Charania added that the 40-year-old superstar has continued "to progress well," which is the encouraging news the team and fanbase needed.
At first glance, the news of James returning to L.A. will likely concern some fans — especially when it stems from a "medical recommendation."
Having said that, his return home is actually logical. The Lakers are set to play on Thursday and Friday, while James isn't expected to play for another week or two, meaning there wasn't a reason for him to stay if he can't even play in the back-to-back contests.
Without having to deal with unnecessary distractions on the road, James can put all his focus into rehabbing with the team's medical staff in Los Angeles. Hopefully, the time away from his Lakers teammates is exactly what the 21-time NBA All-Star needs to be healthy and available before the postseason.
Even though Luka Doncic is one of the NBA's best players, the Lakers likely can't go on a deep playoff run if James isn't at 100%. The Akron, OH native's impressive production in Year 22 has been paramount to any success the Lakers have seen this season, as he's currently averaging 25.0 points, 8.5 assists, 8.2 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and .517/.384/.770 splits across 58 appearances.
Time will tell if the James-less Lakers can turn things around against the Bucks on Thursday. It's the first meeting of the 2024-25 season between these teams after Los Angeles swept Milwaukee last season, improving to 3-1 in the last four games against each other.
Unfortunately, it looks like Los Angeles has an uphill battle on its path tonight. FanDuel Sportsbook is currently listing the Lakers as 7-point underdogs to the Bucks less than 10 hours before tip-off.
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