LeBron James’s Christmas day groin injury has caused quite the mayhem in LA. The Lakers were looking on course for a playoff spot, with LeBron and the young Lakers core functioning decently well.
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However, all of that was brought to a halt when LeBron limped off the court during the 3rd quarter of Lakers’ Christmas day face off agains the Warriors.
Ever since, Lakers have fallen off the radar, slipping to 10th place in the Western conference and needing a strong, strong second half to have a chance of making it to the playoffs.
LeBron James has made a return to the Lakers starting line up, having also featured during the All-Star weekend, but things don’t seem to be right in the Lakers camp.
Toss it up, one last time! @KingJames @DwyaneWade #OneLastDance pic.twitter.com/q5Exts6fSl
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2019
“I want Scottie Pippen to make up his mind because just a couple of years ago he said LeBron James has surpassed Michael Jordan. … For a guy that’s not clutch, how does LeBron have more game-winning playoff baskets than Michael Jordan?” — @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/AOsiDgM5YH
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 18, 2019
LeBron nursed the groin injury for more than a month, focussing a lot on recovering completely before getting onto the court.
While the Lakers and LeBron took all possible precautions before getting back on court, fresh reports from the Lakers camp suggests that things are not quite right with respect to LeBron’s comeback.
According to Joe Vardon of the Athletic, the Lakers are privately concerned about LeBron’s health and intensity post the groin injury.
Report: Lakers ‘Privately Concerned’ with LeBron’s Mobility – National Basketball Association News – https://t.co/CpmOtRAZ1q
— Los Angeles Sports News (@Lakers_newsnow) February 18, 2019
“With me, with injuries, I am never too concerned about them.”
On LeBron’s injury and a big night for the Lakers in their rout of the Warriors.
https://t.co/Bg8oA9Hu9Z— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) December 26, 2018
LeBron postgame: “That’s the only thing that’s going to happen in my
mental space for these next two months, pretty much
on how I can get this team playing the type of level of
basketball we were playing before my injury.”— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) February 18, 2019
They are concerned if the groin injury has healed properly and would allow LeBron to get back to his normal self during the business end of the season.
Post the All-Star game, LeBron had confirmed that he was looking forward to the second half of the season. The Lakers will have to play some very solid basketball if they are to make the playoffs.
‘Looking forward to the second half of the season,” James said as quoted by Tania Ganguly.
“Looking forward to seeing what we can do to get back in this playoff race. That’s my only mindset. That’s the only thing that’s going to happen in my mental space for these next two months, pretty much on how I can get this team playing the type of level of basketball we were playing before my injury.” he added.
LeBron’s performance in the All-Star game seemed to be one where he was comfortable on the court, but, the Lakers need to assess him further in games that require higher intensity.
