The Los Angeles Lakers' eight-game winning streak was snapped by the rival Boston Celtics on Saturday evening. Things went from bad to worse in the fourth quarter as LeBron James suffered a groin injury. He was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the night, and there was plenty of panic amongst the fan base. The Lakers looked like title contenders but will take a definitive step back without King James.
LeBron downplayed the injury postgame, but it is not the first time he has suffered a groin strain. Dave McMenamin reported that the initial thought is the absence will be measured in weeks, not days. With just over one month remaining in the regular season, that is not what supporters want to hear.
Brian Sutterer was quick to offer his take on the injury and what fans can expect. The doctor gave a positive spin that should help mitigate the fears of fans.
Renowned doctor does not believe LeBron James suffered season-ending injury
Sutterer is not treating LeBron, but he gave a detailed explanation about groin strains and the potential pop James heard. He notes that it did not look like a more severe injury. If it is just a groin strain, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer should miss a few weeks before being ready to go. Sutterer does not see this as a season-ending injury. Fans can hear his full thoughts plus an update on Luka Doncic’s back below.
The 40-year-old should not be rushed back to the floor. Los Angeles has Luka to carry the team with James sidelined. LeBron should take his time and get back to 100 percent.
The Lakers need him to make a deep playoff run. He may not heal as fast as he used to, but Sutterer noted it should be a month max if it is not a more severe injury.
If he misses a full month, James would play just three more games before the end of the regular season. The Lakers may take a conservative approach, but things do not appear season-ending. It is the best scenario fans could hope for as long as LeBron did not suffer a more significant injury than it appeared.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to get healthy. Luka got treatment on his back during Saturday’s loss. The Lakers were without Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber against Boston. LeBron's injury only further tests the franchise's depth.
LA must have hands on deck to make a playoff run. Hopefully, things work out. Fans should not be worried. Luka and LeBron are already forming a dynamic duo. King James will be back, and the Lakers will be a feared opponent for any team in the playoffs.
