Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss “several games” due to his strained left groin, according to a report from Brian Windhorst and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Reporting with @WindhorstESPN: Lakers prepared for LeBron James to miss several games with groin injury. Story on ESPN. https://t.co/oCTVYo69FM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 27, 2018
James suffered the injury midway through the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. James and the Lakers were relieved when an MRI on Wednesday confirmed that the injury was just a strained groin and not a more severe injury.
Dodged a bullet! Sheesh. to the almighty above! #BackInNoTime
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 26, 2018
However, despite the relief that it’s only a strained groin, the strain is reportedly “significant” and will require a careful healing process.
Here’s more from ESPN on James’ road to recovery:
A timeline for James’ return is further complicated by the fact that he has never had to navigate this severe of a groin injury and still needs to gain an understanding of how his body will respond to treatment. James has displayed a tremendous capacity throughout his career to avoid extended absences with injury, but sources expected the Lakers and James will be careful not to risk further aggravation of the groin by returning too quickly.
The 33-year-old forward is averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists over 34 games in his first season with the Lakers.
James, who has played in 156 straight games overall and 116 in the regular season, will miss Thursday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings (10 ET, NBA League Pass).
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