LeBron James Injury Update: Text Exchange With Insider Reveals Lakers Star’s Ankle Status

It’s the Bucks vs Lakers night and LeBron James will miss tonight’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks due to left ankle soreness. James, initially listed as doubtful, was downgraded to out. This ankle issue has been hovering over him for several months and it forced him to miss their last showdown with the Bucks on March 8th. TNT Insider shares a text that he got from King James about his injury management and it’s looking a little precarious for the “L” Train!

James addressed his injury and how he has to be “strategic and smart of how I manage the rest of the season with my ankle/foot in order to get to the finish line. Whatever line that lies ahead.”

The Lakers pulled off a 150-145 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, with LeBron James chipping in 26 points and 10 assists in 38 minutes of playing time. However, James’ ankle came out as a concern after the game, leaving Coach Darvin Ham cautious about his availability in the games ahead.

Can the “L Train” Make it Back for the Playoffs?

When asked if James’ ankle could cause him to miss more games down the stretch, Coach Ham was a little tight-lipped however he responded, “Just like our remaining game schedule, I’m just taking things one day at a time… I don’t want to jump out ahead and mislead you guys into believing something that’s not going to happen, that’s not true. And so again, it’s go as tolerated. And after the [Pacers] game, he was experiencing some significant discomfort. And so again, he’s getting treatment around the clock. And once he wakes up in the morning, we’ll have another update.”

In King James’ previous absence against the Giannis led Milwaukee Bucks, D’Angelo Russell stepped up big time. He exploded for a staggering 44 points, including the clutch game-winner with just seconds left, to steal a 123-122 victory for the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Damian Lillard’s potential game-winner was swatted away by Spencer Dinwiddie in a thriller of a finish.

Today’s game kicks off a crucial 6-game road trip for the Lakers, who are currently hanging onto the 9th seed in the West with only 11 games remaining. They’re chasing the Phoenix Suns three games back for the coveted 6th seed, which would guarantee a playoff spot without the play-in shenanigans. The Golden State Warriors are breathing down their necks, just 2.5 games behind in the 10th spot.

LeBron’s health is absolutely critical to the Lakers’ dimming championship hopes. The team, sitting at 39-32, hasn’t quite captured the magic that pushed them through to the Western Conference Finals last year. But James, averaging an incredible 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 53.0% from the field, has defied Father Time with yet another phenomenal season. Despite battling nagging injuries, he’s stayed on the court for 62 games this season, including a string of six straight appearances leading up to Tuesday.

Will the “L” Train return for the Lakers next matchup with the Grizzlies tomorrow? TNT Insider Chris B Haynes seems to think so! Stay tuned to find out.

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