LeBron James to Undergo Testing to Determine Extent of Groin Injury

Lakers star forward LeBron James will go testing on Thursday to determine the severity of a groin injury suffered in Thursday’s loss to the Clippers, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

James exited the game, while limping, with just less than 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter after he attempted to post up Clippers forward Paul George. The Lakers said he was dealing with left leg soreness at the time.

“I didn’t do anything extraneous on the play,” James said, via McMenamin. “Just when I landed, I felt a little spasm or strain in my groin. So immediately I had to come out after that on the next play down when I went to the free throw line.”

James, 37, missed 17 straight games was averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists, but shooting a career-low 46 percent through the first 10 games. He suffered a left groin tear in 2018-19 and missed 17 straight games.

However, James indicated this injury isn’t as severe as that one. He did not rule out playing Friday vs. the Kings.

“I’ll go around [the clock] treatment for 24 hours, and if it’s OK on Friday, I’ll be in the lineup,” he said, via McMenamin.

Even with James (2-9), the Lakers have lost four straight and have struggled mightily out of the gate.

“I mean it’s just a lot of adversity,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “[James] has been trying his heart out just to be there for us and play at a high level. I thought he had it going really, really well tonight. But it just is something that it’s the NBA season, man. You got to be ready for a little bit of everything. We’ll see once he gets evaluated, and we’ll be ready to move forward.”

Power forward Anthony Davis told reporters he is prepared to take on more of the load in the event that James can’t go. James has already missed one game with foot soreness.

“For me, the mindset switches to just going out, being aggressive and trying to find ways to help the team win — whether it’s more shots or know it’s my job to make these guys better,” Davis said. “But it’s heightened when someone like LeBron is out with everything he can do on the floor.”