The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of their best season since 2019-20. They need to go just 8-7 over their last 15 games to secure their first 50-win season since that championship-winning campaign, and have the talent and momentum to do so.
Unfortunately, their past is staring them directly in the face as they inch closer to that previously elusive number of wins.
Los Angeles will square off against the rival Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, Mar. 19. The Lakers picked up their first regular-season win over the Nuggets since 2022 on Feb. 22, but fell once more to the team that has their number on Mar. 14.
Unfortunately, the trio of Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Maxi Kleber will all miss the Mar. 19 encounter with the Nuggets.
Lakers’ injury report vs. Denver tomorrow:
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 19, 2025
— Trey Jemison III upgraded to questionable.
— Luka Doncic is probable. pic.twitter.com/LCyU97bhat
There was optimism that James could've returned earlier in the week, but it seems the left groin strain he sustained could prove more devastating than anticipated.
Rui Hachimura, LeBron James out vs. Denver Nuggets
James sustained the injury on Mar. 8 against the Boston Celtics. It was quickly reported that he would miss one-to-two weeks, which makes the four-time MVP's absence from the bout with Denver admittedly one to be expected.
Three days out from an exact two-week absence, however, reason for optimism over a return is admittedly difficult to come by.
The hope is that James will, in fact, get back on the court at some point in the next three games. Following the matchup with Denver, the Lakers will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Mar. 20 and the Chicago Bulls on Mar. 22.
That could go a long way toward explaining why James has struggled to get back on the court over the past 11 days.
Los Angeles' schedule has been nothing short of dreadful in recent weeks. The Lakers are about to play their third back-to-back in eight days, having faced the Bucks on Mar. 13 and Nuggets on Mar. 14, as well as the Phoenix Suns on Mar. 17 and San Antonio Spurs on Mar. 18.
The Lakers will now face the Nuggets again on Mar. 19, followed by another encounter with the Bucks on Mar. 20.
For a 40-year-old player recovering from an injury, a series of back-to-backs doesn't exactly create a welcoming environment for a return. Unfortunately, the hits won't stop coming after this stretch of games, as the Lakers will have two more back-to-backs before the end of the season.
One can only hope that James will return at 100 percent and help the Lakers put the finishing touches on an excellent regular season.