The Los Angeles Lakers were blown out on Sunday playing their first game without LeBron James this year. Fortunately, they may not have to worry about that for long.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James is expected to play in the team’s Christmas Day matchup against the LA Clippers. James sat out of Sunday’s game with a strained back that he played through against the Milwaukee Bucks so it was assumed that it wasn’t a serious injury.
James is also reportedly dealing with a nagging groin issue. While there is concern that it could be related to the groin injury that kept him out of nearly 20 games last season, it appears that it will not keep him out of the lineup.
In their first game without LeBron, the Lakers struggled offensively, racking up 19 turnovers to only 18 assists.
The Lakers have downplayed their rematch against the Clippers since opening night. But with the team now on a three-game losing streak, there is even more added incentive for the Lakers to try to get a statement win against their cross-town rivals. With James returning, the Lakers will have their full roster available although both he and Anthony Davis are banged up. Kyle Kuzma made his return on Sunday from an ankle injury.
