The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to get their leader back on Wednesday night amid their push for a playoff spot.
LeBron James is expected to return from an ankle injury for Wednesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, per ESPN’s https://twitter.com/mcten/status/1773046308816711873?s=20. He missed Tuesday’s overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks with ankle soreness.
James has been dealing with ankle soreness for months, and he told TNT and Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes via text message on Wednesday that he has to strategically manage the illness through the remainder of the season.
“I have to be very strategic and smart about how I manage the rest of the season with my ankle/foot in order to get to the finish line,” James said. “Whatever line that lies ahead.”
Haynes reported at the time that James was expected to be available for Wednesday’s game against the Grizzlies.
The Lakers can’t afford to be without James for long periods at this point in the season as they battle for a playoff spot. They currently sit ninth in the Western Conference with a 40-32 record and are just two games behind the seventh-place Sacramento Kings.
The 39-year-old James is crucial to the Purple and Gold’s success alongside Anthony Davis, and he continues to put up strong numbers in his 21st NBA season. Through 62 games, he’s averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists while shooting 53.0 percent from the floor and 40.6 percent from deep.
The Lakers have 10 regular season games remaining, and James’ health will continue to be a major storyline as the franchise tries to close things out and secure a playoff berth.
If James misses any time moving forward, the pressure to get the Lakers over the hump will shift primarily to Davis and players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell.
