Lakers star LeBron James will miss the season’s final two games with the sprained ankle that has sidelined him for several already, the team announced.
LeBron James’ left ankle was recently reevaluated by Lakers medical staff, and it was determined that due to the ankle sprain James suffered in a game on March 27th, he will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 NBA season to allow for continued healing and an expected full recovery.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 8, 2022
James has been dealing with the ankle issue for nearly a month. Given that the Lakers were eliminated from play-in tournament contention earlier in this week, James will use the time for rest and recovery.
James, 37, appeared in 36 games this season and averaged a career-high 30.3 points, passing Karl Malone for second on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in the process. He also pulled down 8.2 rebounds and passed for 6.2 assists. His assists average was his lowest since the 2011-12 season.
As a team, the Lakers were a massive disappointment after adding Russell Westbrook to play alongside James and Anthony Davis. Only four players returned from last season’s team and the Lakers were expected to challenge for a championship. Instead, they won’t even make the playoffs.
The offseason is expected to involve more changes, starting with coach Frank Vogel, who likely won’t be back next year, per reports.
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