It has been more than a month since Lakers star LeBron James injured his groin in a difficult loss to the Celtics. He missed seven games in a span of two weeks with the injury, but has played in the Lakers’ last 11 games. They were 3-4 in those seven games without him, and have had some struggles even since he’s been back.
Still, the Lakers are 6-5 since James’ return, good enough to keep them in the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings with two games left to play. Just one win, either against the Rockets in L.A. on Friday or the Blazers on Sunday, will be enough to secure that spot for the playoffs.
Despite his playing through the injury, James has had some bouts of inconsistency since returning and is averaging 22.4 points, 6.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds. Before the injury, he was averaging 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
It was only a week ago that James said he finally felt he was close to 100% physically.
“That was the best I felt before the injury for sure,” James said after the Lakers lost to the Warriors on April 3. “I just tried to press, get downhill, my rhythm, as far as my jump shot felt pretty good today, I was shooting from the free throw line extremely well, and I’m a bit late, but it’s probably the best physically I felt. So hopefully, I can build off of that.”
The Lakers have been keeping a close watch on the groin, with James remaining on the injured list. On Thursday, ESPN Lakers beat writer Dave McMenamin revealed that the Lakers had released their injury report for Friday’s game.
While James is still listed on the report because of the groin, he has been labeled, “probable” for the Houston game.
Lakers big man Maxi Kleber, acquired in the Luka Doncic trade with the Mavericks, remains out after foot surgery.
The Rockets have already sealed the No. 2 seed in the West, and would be the Lakers’ second-round playoff opponent if both advanced. But they’re likely to be short-handed on Friday, with star center Alperen Sengun and point guard Fred VanVleet both questionable. Jabari Smith is also questionable and Jay’Sean Tate is out.
The game will tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET.
