The 2022-23 NBA season has been full of ups and downs for the Los Angeles Lakers. They were given a huge blow in the form of LeBron James’ injury during arguably the most crucial part of the season for the team.
James has been ruled out of the team for several weeks, but recently there have been some positive updates about LeBron returning to the team around the NBA playoffs. But NBA insider Chris Haynes recently provided a concerning update about James’ potential return.
“I think obviously the goal is for LeBron to return at some point before the season concludes, but what I’m hearing is that still might be a push right there, him returning at some point,” Haynes said. “I reported a few weeks ago that… the Lakers had to try and do whatever they could to try to win as many games as possible to give LeBron James as much time to recover as possible. So that means that even when he does come back, he might not be fully healthy, but (they are) just trying to buy him some time.”
The Lakers have done relatively well in the absence of their superstar. They have managed to at least stay around the play-in tournament spot. If they can get James back with a few games in hand, that would be the best-case scenario. But is it a realistic return date?
“With that being said, I don’t know how realistic it is that he returns with some games left in the regular season. That is definitely the goal, LeBron James is shooting for that, I just don’t know how realistic it is right now… Can LeBron come back the final two games of the regular season? … I think definitely that’s a possibility, but I think it’s still premature as of right now. The way it was explained to me is that might be a push right there.”
Whenever LeBron James returns to the team it would be the X-factor for the Purple and Gold. They have the likes of Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell carrying the Lakers, but when James is present on the court, the Lakers are a completely different team.
Can The Lakers Advance To The Playoffs Without LeBron James?
Following their most recent win against the Orlando Magic, the Lakers have improved their record to 35-37. However, the Lakers have fallen out of the play-in tournament spot.
They are currently the 11th seed in the Western Conference. With only 10 games remaining in the season for the team, time is certainly not on the Lakers’ side.
The next five or six games could make or break the season for the iconic NBA franchise. Anthony Davis and co. should do everything in their power to try and clinch at least a play-in tournament spot so that James can return only when he feels at his best.
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