Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors will elate fans, as LeBron James will reportedly make his return to the court tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Recently, all of the Los Angeles Lakers rumors have revolved around trade news. Lakers Rumors have been running rampant about Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.
With the NBA Trade Deadline a week away, it made sense. However, Lakers rumors have shifted, this time to injury news.
LeBron James was announced out for tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. That news seems to have been premature, as James will reportedly suit up tonight for the Lakers against their Staples Center co-tenants.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, James will make his much-anticipated return to the Lakers lineup tonight.
Yahoo Sources: After missing nearly five weeks with a groin injury, Lakers star LeBron James plans to make his return tonight against the Clippers. https://t.co/XLD9pHSH5O
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 1, 2019
This is excellent news for the reeling Lakers. Injuries have derailed the team in recent weeks, as James has been joined by Rajon Rondo, Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball at different times in the sidelines.
James has not played in almost five weeks as he injured his groin against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. Los Angeles was able to overcome his loss that evening, but it has been tough sledding since.
The Lakers have played 17 games since Christmas and have gone 6-11 during that span. Their record has dropped to 26-25. Prior to falling to one game over .500 on Jan. 24 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nov. 11 was the last time the Lakers were that close to even on their record.
James’ return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Lakers. Their schedule is about to get very difficult, so having their best player back in the lineup will be a major boost. Tonight marks the start of a six-game road trip for Los Angeles, with the first five opponents all currently playoff teams. A visit to the defending champion Golden State Warriors looms, and you know they will be motivated to face the Lakers again.
With James returning to the lineup, the starting five will have to be adjusted again. James will likely replace Josh Hart in the lineup, joining Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac. If Kyle Kuzma is able to go, he will replace Caldwell-Pope.