LeBron James Injury Update: Lakers Star Out for 3 Weeks Due to Foot Tendon Issue
The Los Angeles Lakers confirmed Thursday that LeBron James suffered a right foot tendon injury during Sunday's game against the Dallas Mavericks, and he will be reevaluated in three weeks.
James returned to Los Angeles and was examined by team doctors and medical staff before the announcement came.
Since their victory over the Mavericks without James, the Lakers have gone 1-1, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday but beating the Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-117, on Wednesday to complete their three-game road trip.
Sunday's victory over the Mavericks injured 38-year-old James, who was hurt in the third quarter following a drive on Dwight Powell. James was seen limping after the game and said to the Lakers bench, "I heard a pop," after tumbling to the floor.
During an on-court interview with ESPN's Katie George after the game, James said he thought he had stepped on Powell's foot, causing the pain. However, replays revealed it was a non-contact injury.
With 20 games left in the regular season, the Lakers are one game out of the 10th spot in the Western Conference, which would get the team into the NBA's play-in tournament.
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LeBron James Will Miss Most of Lakers Games Due to Foot Tendon Injury
This is the first official diagnosis on Lebron James' injury released by the Lakers. The Lakers will play 10 of their last 19 regular season games in the next three weeks without James. Noting that James will be reevaluated in three weeks does not imply that he will be making a comeback at that time.
His return to the court depends on his foot's recovery time, so the team monitors how his foot progresses and then assesses the next steps from there.
As LeBron struggles with the foot tendon injury, he will likely require a ramp-up period to get back into game form, even if he can resume playing in three weeks, according to Lakers Nation.
With James' absence, his teammates will need to step up to stay in the postseason race. Fox News reported that the Lakers' announcement means James will be reevaluated somewhere around the team's game against the Phoenix Suns on March 22.
Anthony Davis Returns From Injury in Time for LeBron James Foot Tendon Issue
LeBron James' injury has given a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Lakers. But as the Lakers keep trying to get into the playoffs, they will have Anthony Davis on the court.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic, who covers the Lakers, said that Davis is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Timberwolves and will play alongside Dennis Shroeder, while James and D'Angelo Russell have both been sidelined.
Clutch Points reported that Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury. However, he will be ready to play again for the Lakers after a couple of days' rest.
The Lakers' success down the stretch will also depend heavily on his performance, as James will miss the next three weeks. Davis must be at his best for the Lakers to make the playoffs.
Davis has appeared in only 38 games for the Lakers this season. He has not played in many games, but when he made an impact when on the floor, with an average of 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Lakers Plan to Reevaluate LeBron James' Right Tendon Injury in Three Weeks - From ESPN