The Lakers’ four-game road trip in recent days was going badly for a while. It started with a 19-point loss to the Orlando Magic, and on Wednesday, Los Angeles got humiliated 128-94 by the mediocre Houston Rockers, dropping its record to 0-3 on the trip.
It did, however, end the trip on a positive note by overcoming a double-digit deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 122-119 on Friday. While LeBron James played very well and has been playing well in general to start the season, he collided with Kevin Durant in the first quarter and suffered a left calf contusion.
As a result, he will not play on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
LeBron James is out against the Blazers tonight with a left calf contusion, the Lakers announce.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 12, 2023
According to head coach Darvin Ham, James will be day-to-day.
Ham said LeBron will be “day to day” moving forward, but they didn’t want to push it after James got knocked in the shin last game and experienced soreness.
We could see Rui Hachimura slide into the starting lineup, but LAL will need playmaking from Russell/Reaves especially.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 13, 2023
Sunday’s game is the first of six out of seven at home against mostly beatable opponents for the Lakers. This break in their schedule will give them an opportunity to build some momentum and improve on their 4-5 record.
