The Los Angeles Lakers can still make the playoffs this season despite LeBron James’ right foot tendon injury, but the road will be steep.
They have a number of games against teams they need to leapfrog in the standings to claim at least a spot in the play-in tournament, if not finish sixth in the Western Conference. Luckily, 10 of their next 12 games, including each of their next five, will be at home.
Unfortunately, one of those games will be against a team that may get its superstar back just in time to face L.A.
Golden State Warriors lynchpin Stephen Curry has been out for the last few weeks with a lower leg injury. Somehow, they have been winning games without him, and they have risen to fifth place in the West.
According to Chris Haynes, Curry plans on making his return to game action on Sunday versus the Purple and Gold (h/t theScore).
Golden State star Stephen Curry (leg) intends to make his return on Sunday on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers barring a setback, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 3, 2023
If it comes to pass, the Lakers will face a steep challenge on Sunday. They did manage to beat Golden State on Feb. 11 without James, but that was just days after Curry suffered his injury.