Before coming into the game against the Rockets, the Lakers were 5-5 in the last 10. Surely, doesn’t excuse confidence for the team heading into the playoffs. Playing their last home game of the regular season, the Purple and Gold team wanted to put up a show for their fans. With the third seed on the line, the lineup had LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and others. Even though it ended with a win, the Lakers nation was worried about King James’ in-game injury.

“LeBron visibly upset as he heads to the bench with what looks to be a re-aggravated groin strain. Eerily similar situation to when he re-aggravated his 2021 ankle injury right before the 2021 playoffs…” During the third quarter, with the Lakers leading by a wide margin, star forward LeBron James appeared to re-injure his groin. He left the game and did not return.

James was then seen stretching his groin out on the bench. This is a major cause for concern for the Lakers after James missed multiple weeks back in March with a similar-looking injury. But the Lakers nation can breathe since LeBron returned to the sidelines and even celebrated a tough Austin Reaves layup in the fourth quarter. “LeBron James just walked to the basket after a Reaves stepback and moonwalked back to the bench for what it’s worth.”

The 140- 109 win over the depleted Rockets improves LA’s record to 50-31! The number is significant since it’s the first time they’ve won 50 games since the 2019-20 title season. This also means they have secured the No. 3 seed in the West. On the night, Luka had 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Reaves contributed with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. LeBron, before the injury, had 14 points and 8 assists. But is the injury concern serious? Coach Redick shared the light.

Is LeBron James looking at another long injury spell?

LeBron James sustained his groin injury back in early March during a matchup against the Boston Celtics. Initially, the 40-year-old downplayed the injury by saying there was “not much concern” and vowed to “go day to day” in treating it. However, after further diagnosis, revealed that LeBron would miss at least 1-2 weeks of action. In that 7 game spell on the sidelines, the Lakers lost all 4 games on that road trip. Interestingly, they won 3 straight at home. So, is the current injury similar to the previous one?

JJ Redick says LeBron James is “fine” despite leaving the game after apparently injuring his groin. King James has continued his trend of playing every matchup since he returned from his 7-game absence back in March. This match was important to determine the third seed and now pretty much guarantees extra rest for the Lakers players ahead of the playoffs.

The Rockets were without six of their top seven scorers. Alperen Sengun, Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Jae’Sean Tate all sat out. So, a win here was important to get the third seed, and it also helped them win 50 games for just the second time in 14 years.