When LeBron James suffered a right foot tendon injury just over two weeks ago, it was presumed to be a major blow for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Yet they have managed to win four of seven games without him while moving into ninth place in the Western Conference.
They’re making progress toward claiming a playoff spot with just under a month left in the regular season, yet they badly need James back to finish the job.
On Tuesday, reports indicated he is feeling better and started lifting and shooting standstill free throws (h/t Lakers Daily).
James lifted and did rehab during Lakers shootaround, per the team. The standstill free throws was the first on-court activity for James since the injury, per the Lakers. https://t.co/KfdzqcquQ5
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 14, 2023
Still, Shams Charania reported the Lakers are preparing as if the four-time MVP will not return until close to the end of the regular season.
“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
James is scheduled to be reevaluated late next week. Even if he is cleared to return at that point, he will likely need time to ramp up his basketball activities before he returns to game action.
