LeBron James had been out since the Christmas Day game against the Warriors in which he suffered a groin injury in the third quarter. Since then, he has been labeled as day-to-day, but we hadn’t heard much information about his progress.
On Saturday, the Lakers announced that James had returned to full contact defensive drills since his injury, which is certainly a promising sign. The Lakers also confirmed that the forward would not play against the Suns on Sunday at home.
LeBron James returned to full contact defensive drills for the first time since his injury, but won't play Sunday against the Suns. pic.twitter.com/e8y9z8kbI8
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 26, 2019
Brian Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast that he expects LeBron to return within a week, which is promising for the Lakers as they attempt to make their way back into the playoff race.
The Lakers also said that Kyle Kuzma is questionable after not moving well during Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves.
Kyle Kuzma did not practice today and is questionable. LeBron is out for tomorrow.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) January 26, 2019
Kuzma told Los Angeles Times reporter Broderick Turner that he was playing through hip pain during the last few games because he knew the team needed him while they were short staffed.
Luke Walton said that the forward won’t play if he moves as he did on Thursday.
Luke told Kuzma that if he’s moving like he was last game, he doesn’t want him playing.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) January 26, 2019
Also on the injury docket was Josh Hart, who is a likely participant in the Lakers game against the Suns.
Josh Hart’s knee was bothering him so he didn’t participate in contact today. Luke Walton would expect him to play tomorrow.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) January 26, 2019
Lonzo Ball also had a comment about his ankle injury, saying that he felt like he had broken something in the immediate aftermath.
Lonzo Ball said he’s never broken a bone before but when his injury first happened he thought he’d broken his ankle. He got to stop using crutches yesterday and now just has the boot on.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) January 26, 2019
Whoever is in charge of the injury sliders for the universe, please turn them off. Signed, Lakers fans everywhere.
