Oct 14, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James (6) smiles from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham revealed a promising update regarding LeBron James and whether he can return this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been without LeBron James since Feb. 26 when he suffered a right foot tendon injury in the team’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. Since he’s been sidelined, the Lakers have gone 5-5. They were clinging to a spot in the play-in tournament in the Western Conference after their March 19 win over the Orlando Magic.
Ahead of that game, the Lakers fanbase received some good news regarding James.
Head coach Darvin Ham spoke with the media on Sunday, and said that he expects James to return to the Lakers “at some point” this season.
Lakers: Darvin Harm expects LeBron James to return ‘at some point’ this season
This is certainly positive, but there is no exact timeline as to when James could return. After their matchup against the Magic, the Lakers have just 10 games remaining on their schedule. So, fans are going to be keeping their eyes peeled for further updates as to when exactly James can return to the court and help the team make a push to the playoffs or play-in tournament.
At the time of the injury, James was expected to be out for three weeks. It has been about three weeks as of this update, and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin writes that James is set to be re-evaluated this upcoming week, potentially as soon as March 23.
This season, James is averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists while recording a 50.1 field goal percentage and a 30.8 three-point percentage.
With the Lakers just on the outside looking in in terms of a playoff or play-in spot, a returning James should definitely increase their odds of clinching a berth. But fans will be waiting to see when he could return, as their regular season officially ends on Sunday, Apr. 9 against the Utah Jazz.
