Lakers star LeBron James may not be back this week — or maybe even the next. Per Shams Charania of ESPN, James is expected to miss at least one more week with the groin injury suffered more than a week ago.
This is especially bad news for LA, which will play five games over the next week because of some needed rescheduling. That includes back-to-backs with the Suns and Spurs, followed by games against the Nuggets and Bucks.
The Lakers (40-25) have lost four straight and have dropped to fourth in the Western Conference standings with 17 to go.
Late last week coach JJ Redick told reporters that James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes were getting closer to returning.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is dealing with a lingering left calf injury and a sprained right ankle. He is considered day-to-day.
The Lakers face the Suns at 3:30 p.m. EST on Sunday.
“We know when we’re fully healthy and got everybody on the team that we have a really good chance to beat anybody,” guard Austin Reaves said after Friday’s close loss in Denver. “I just see this group coming together, locking in on one common goal, and that’s to win.
“And tonight, I think, is the biggest testament to that. Very shorthanded, went and played a really good basketball team with probably the best player in the world. And went toe-to-toe and had an opportunity to win it. We just didn’t execute the last 50 seconds.”
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