The Los Angeles Lakers ruled out LeBron James for a third straight game when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, and head coach JJ Redick said the GOAT “will probably need a couple more days” pregame. That doesn’t sound so bad, but it is worrying after considering his messaging over the last few days.
Coach Redick was optimistic LeBron would play on Sunday against the Knicks, but he was ruled out after a pregame workout. JJ said the superstar was day-to-day after Monday’s practice. Now, LeBron will need a few more days. The Lakers are notoriously tight-lipped about injuries, so admitting it will be multiple days is worse news than it sounds.
Now is not a great time for an extended absence. Just three games separate third and seventh in the crowded Western Conference, and the Lakers have four games with teams right around them in the standings over the next eight days. No matter what the narrative says, LA is better with LeBron, which makes this news even more concerning.
Lakers fans should be in a panic after the latest LeBron James injury update
King James hasn’t played since March 5, and the Lakers are ruling him out with a hip contusion and left foot arthritis on the official injury report. Both injuries are problematic for a 41-year-old superstar with LeBron’s mileage. Fans should not expect to see him on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls, and Redick’s comments likely mean he will miss multiple more games.
The Lakers can win without him, but it takes a herculean effort from Luka Doncic. Fans know number 77 is one of the five best players in the world. The Don can answer that challenge, but LA needs him at his peak in the playoffs. They certainly can’t afford to wear him out down the stretch by forcing him to carry a massive workload.
Austin Reaves must step up with LeBron out. He appears to have broken out of his recent slump. AR has to transform back into the All-Star version fans saw early in the season. He is capable and should see plenty of opportunities with King James out.
All supporters can do is wait for another injury update on LeBron. Coach Redick will likely be tight-lipped again. The breadcrumbs are suggesting LBJ’s ailments are worse than anyone is leading on, but fans won’t know for certain without a more official announcement.
JJ Redick saying LeBron James needs more time is not what any Los Angeles Lakers fan wanted to hear. The star trio needs time on the floor together to mesh, and they simply can’t get it. One of them has been out virtually all season. Now, it is LeBron missing multiple games with no end in sight. Sadly, all the Lakers can do is press on with Luka and Austin leading the way. Here's to wishing James makes a speedy recovery, and the purple and gold keep winning.