The Los Angeles Lakers could have their full supply of superstars in the fold before the week is out.
LeBron James is reportedly targeting his return to the lineup on Wednesday (PHT) against the New York Knicks, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. James has been out of the mix for Los Angeles since May 2 because of a sore right ankle.
James is averaging 25.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.8 assists while shooting 51.3% this season for the Lakers, who are No. 7 in the Western Conference after Sunday’s win against the Phoenix Suns. That victory was fueled by All-Star big man Anthony Davis, who returned to the Lakers’ lineup on April 22 after missing 30 games himself due to right calf and heel issues.
Injuries to James and fellow All-Star big man Anthony Davis have stalled the Lakers after winning the 2020 NBA championship. James has played in just 43 games this season, with Davis appearing in even fewer (33). The Lakers have four games left in their season: vs. New York (May 12), vs. Houston (May 13), at Indiana (May 16) and at New Orleans (May 17).
James has missed four straight games while Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma was held out of Sunday’s game against Phoenix because of tightness in his back.
Lakers coach Frank Vogel said Sunday that James’ availability for the remainder of the regular season would be decided by how he felt going into each of their four remaining games. But Davis hinted that James will be ready for the postseason whether or not he plays before then.
“What I’ve seen from LeBron today, he’ll be fine,” Davis said. “Trust me. He’ll be fine.”
The Lakers superstar has played in just 43 games this season, largely because of a nagging ankle injury.
