The injured right foot that has sidelined Lakers star LeBron James at least doesn’t hurt as much, it seems.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the pain in James’ foot is subsiding. That said, there are still questions on whether James will be able to return before the playoffs or play-in tournament, should the Lakers reach either.
“I’m told (LeBron’s) right foot is feeling much better,” Charania said on Bally Sports’ The Rally. “The Lakers are bracing as if he will need a significant chunk of the remainder of the regular season to ramp up for a return.”
James sustained a right foot tendon injury in the first game after the All-Star break. The Lakers announced on March 2 that he would be re-evaluated in three weeks, and that timeline is approaching. He had a walking boot removed earlier this week.
Coach Darvin Ham told reporters Monday that everything is “going according to plan” when it comes to James’ injury. James was also seen shooting free throws prior to official warmups before Tuesday’s road win over the Pelicans.
The Lakers (34-35) currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference. They haven’t sported a .500 record since January 2022, more than a year. But they are hoping some February trades put them back on track, with 13 games to go.
James, 38, is averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 47 games, having set the NBA’s all-time scoring record just before the break. Along with that, he is shooting 50 percent from the field and 31 percent on 3-pointers.
“I’m told (LeBron’s) right foot is feeling much better … the Lakers are bracing as if he will need a significant chunk of the remainder of the regular season to ramp up for a return.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on the status of Lakers star LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/xhsOT1m1PR
— The Rally (@TheRally) March 14, 2023
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