Each game for the Los Angeles Lakers is crucial. The 17-time champions can barely afford to lose any of their remaining games. Their entire season comes down to the one final stretch. LeBron James said it himself, they would be the most important regular season games of his career. And he played like it in their recent heroic comeback against the Dallas Mavericks. Midway through the third quarter, the King heard a ‘pop’ that rose the level of concern for Laker Nation. However, despite the pain and agony, the 38-year-old willed on. The Purple and Gold won against their Western Conference Rivals, but it might have come at a heavy cost.
Even before the game against the Mavericks, James was rumored to be nursing an ankle injury. The news said it was enough to cause him pain for the entire season. However, the worst happened against Dallas when the 19-time All-Star went to the floor in visible pain. It seemed like a sign for him to call it a night. But he understood the gravity the game held. King James showed fight and rallied to have a 26-point night in the thrilling win.
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It was a mark of a true competitor as The Akron Hammer walked off with a win despite being derailed by an injury. But no one knew the severity until Shams Charania broke the latest updates on the 38-year-old’s status.
LeBron James pulling off a miracle could lead to weeks’ worth of absence
About 20 years ago, Michael Jordan declared his take on the effect of load management. A legend known to play through his pains, MJ claimed no player would be willing to do so 20 years down the line. Well, the King proved him wrong by going down on his shield last night. Charania even said, “James miraculously played through the injury”. But the news that followed is what has caused doom in the Laker nation.
Right after the game, everyone saw the four-time champion limping with every step he took on the right ankle. And now, the NBA insider came bearing bad news. According to him, James could miss multiple weeks before returning to action. In addition, even NFL legend Shannon Sharpe believes James isn’t the same player he was before the injury woes.
The newest update is one the Lakers were hoping to never hear. LeBron James has had several issues with his health since breaking the all-time scoring record in early February. While it didn’t seem as serious, his recent injury sure is. He even took to his Instagram story a couple of hours ago and said, “Fkn sucks”.
Shannon Sharpe says his concern level is at a 10 regarding LeBron’s injury
“He does not look like the same LeBron James. … When he broke Kareem’s record. He does not look like the same player from the fourth quarter on of that game to what we see now."https://t.co/myYmty5Z9n
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 27, 2023
take my foot PLEASE
— Watts (@visionarywatts) February 28, 2023
BLOW IT UP
IT’S DONE https://t.co/wP6vqjz2tP pic.twitter.com/i0U0HuTnZc— Wesley Paul (@TheOriginalWes) February 28, 2023
It was a fun run everyone https://t.co/VZLcIeeHm2 pic.twitter.com/ouA6EN5LBw
— 10 (@_TheSkywalker) February 28, 2023
Season over … https://t.co/IIXDTWF6F1 pic.twitter.com/PeQhskvkgy
— ALIX TEETO. (@ALIXTEETO) February 28, 2023
its over 😧 https://t.co/cUbme2opVj pic.twitter.com/PP4hY8Q2vr
— 🇼🇸Uce Dogg (@mexxdidit) February 28, 2023
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SOMEBODY PUT A BULLET IN MY SKULL
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) February 28, 2023
Without the King, the hopes of the Lakers ever making the playoffs are slimming down. James is the focal point of the Lakers’ offense. His dynamic alongside the newly welcomed shooters is what the Purple and Gold might have hoped to be the miracle recipe. However, now that he could miss weeks, the picture isn’t as bright as it was. The entire load falls on Anthony Davis who has had problems with staying consistent this season. In addition, D’Angelo Russell’s return now holds a much bigger value with James out as well.
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Watch this story: “Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, LeBron James— NBA stars who were inspired by high school coaches”
It is going to be a mountainous task for the 2020 champions to hang on without LeBron James. Do you think they can give James something to fight for when he returns? Let us know your views in the comments below.