LeBron James was listed as questionable for the the Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday due to left ankle soreness. James left the Lakers’ defeat in the hands of Kings of Sacramento early Wednesday and did not participate in the team’s thrilling victory over the Milwaukee Bucks Friday.
After playing a total of 36 minutes against the Kings, the 21-year-old veteran left the court with about four minutes remaining. Although there were no apparent injuries on the floor, James was visibly wincing in pain.
“Everything will be fine,” James said after the match: “It’s just my ankle. It’s just what I had to deal with before the match.” [All-Star] break, after the break. I’m handling it as best I can.
“I played the whole third, sat out a little bit to start the fourth, and when I came back it was just – whatever. It’s just something I have to deal with.”
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said James was suffering from “severe soreness” and should be considered “on a daily basis.” Although James is not facing a long-term absence, Ham noted that he will have to deal with the issue for the rest of the season. ESPN reported that ankle pain is the result of “wear and tear”.
James has been remarkably durable this season, all things considered. Friday night against the Bucks will be just the ninth game he’s missed, which is a reversal of a trend we’ve seen in recent years. James has already played more games than last season and is on pace to reach the 60-game mark for only the second time since joining the Lakers in 2018.
As the Lakers fight for playoff position, James’ health will play a big role in their success. After the victory against the Bucks, the Lakers improved to 35-30 and moved up to ninth place in the Western Conference, and three games behind sixth place. Phoenix Suns for the final automatic playoff spot.
While the Lakers entered the All-Star break on a hot streak, they are 5-4 since play resumed and are in the midst of an extremely difficult stretch in their schedule. After beating the Bucks, their next opponents are the Minnesota Timberwolveskings and Warriors of the Golden State. If James remains sidelined or even compromised, the Lakers will certainly be in trouble for these games.
