Harrison Faigen: The Lakers have upgraded LeBron and AD to probable for tomorrow. They’ve been questionable the last several games. pic.twitter.com/MP7kXJ6dtk
NBA Rumor: LeBron James Injury
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Jovan Buha: Lakers’ injury report for tomorrow vs. Philadelphia: — LeBron James (left ankle sprain) is questionable. — Anthony Davis (right ankle contusion) is probable. — Jared Dudley (sore right calf) and Kostas Antetokounmpo (right knee patellar tendonitis) are out.
Cayleigh Griffin: Jared Dudley is out for LAL with a sore right calf. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James all remain listed as questionable.
Harrison Faigen: LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are all questionable again tonight (just like last night) pic.twitter.com/1TKWfHhJGw
LeBron James "ready to go" for Christmas game
Mark Medina: LeBron James said “I’ll be ready to go tomorrow” vs Mavs after turning his ankle on opening night
Lakers Nation: Lakers injury report for Game 2: Dion Waiters (sore left groin) is doubtful. LeBron James (sore right groin) and Rajon Rondo (back spasms) are probable.
Jamie Hudson: Lakers Injury Report for Game 2 on Thursday vs. Blazers: Rajon Rondo (right thumb; surgery) is questionable; Anthony Davis (sore right knee) and LeBron James (sore right groin) are probable.
ShowtimeForum: “Anthony Davis (eye), LeBron James (groin) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle) are probable to play on Saturday against the Raptors.” – Via NBA Injury Report #LakeShow #Lakers #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/LEsxX6hB3m
LeBron James out against Warriors
Melissa Rohlin: LeBron James (sore groin) is out for tomorrow’s game against Golden State. Anthony Davis (sore left elbow) is probable.
Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James and Danny Green are out tonight. Anthony Davis is questionable.
Mike Bresnahan: Anthony Davis is listed as questionable for tonight’s game vs. Dallas because of soreness in his right shoulder. LeBron James (sore groin) and Kyle Kuzma (sprained ankle) are listed as probable for the game.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will play Saturday night against the Portland Trail Blazers despite dealing with a groin injury, league sources told Yahoo Sports. The Lakers had ruled James’ status for the Portland game as questionable.
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers Coach Frank Vogel said a decision hadn’t been made yet on whether LeBron James would play tonight vs. Portland. Some of it depends on how he fares at today’s upcoming shoot-around. James is listed as questionable because of a groin injury.
Brett Dawson: LeBron James has a groin contusion and is questionable for tomorrow but will make the trip to Portland. Anthony Davis (sore right knee) is probable.
Good news for the Lakers: LeBron James (groin) will travel with the team to Portland and is on track to play on Saturday against the Trail Blazers, league sources say. James is said to be feeling fine enough to play after receiving treatment on Thursday. He re-aggravated his groin injury in the Lakers’ Christmas Day loss to the Clippers.
LeBron James to miss time?
A collision with Patrick Beverley in the first quarter of the Lakers’ 111-106 loss Wednesday night to the Clippers caused LeBron James to aggravate a nagging groin injury and could cause the Lakers star to miss some game time moving forward. “I felt healthy going into the game,” James said after finishing with 23 points on 9-for-24 shooting, with 10 assists and 9 rebounds. “I got kneed in the groin taking a charge from Pat Bev, and it kind of set me right back to where I was five days ago.”
LeBron James back for Christmas?
James missed his first game of the season Sunday while dealing with a thoracic muscle strain — a pull in the rib cage area — as well as a nagging groin issue, sources told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. He is listed as day-to-day by the Lakers with the Christmas game on the horizon. However, a source close to James told ESPN he expected the star to be in the lineup. While James’ presence would certainly buoy this Lakers group, Anthony Davis pointed to a more pressing need than the four-time MVP: team defense.
Dave McMenamin: LeBron is considered day-to-day; Kuzma is on a 20-minute restriction.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is doubtful for Sunday’s home game against the Nuggets with a thoracic muscle strain, coach Frank Vogel announced Saturday. LeBron James first sustained the injury, a pull in the rib cage area, against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday and played through it during Thursday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. James didn’t require an MRI, but this is a significant issue and not just a load management situation, sources told ESPN.
Earlier this week, James said he didn’t plan to miss any games this season for rest. James has also been dealing with a nagging groin issue recently, sources said. Last season a groin strain on Christmas Day derailed James and the Lakers’ season.
LeBron James doubtful for Sunday
Kyle Goon: LeBron James did not practice today. He’s doubtful for tomorrow against the Nuggets with a thoracic muscle strain.
Tania Ganguli: The Lakers have listed LeBron James as questionable with a sore right elbow for tomorrow’s game in Atlanta.
The Lakers announced this weekend that James would be held out of the final six games to allow his strained left groin to fully heal. “He wants to play,” Walton said before the Lakers played the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. “My understanding from the medical staff, they finally said, ‘Look, it’s just not worth it anymore. Let’s make sure you have a healthy summer.’ So that’s the decision that was made, and we’ll move forward without him on the floor for the final six.”
Why wasn’t that decision made sooner? “Well, I think that goes back to him wanting to compete,” Walton said. “Even though it’s over, he wants to be out there playing with his guys. Eventually, as that time goes on and on, it’s easier to tell someone like that, ‘Let’s take care of your health right now.’ So that’s kind of how the decision came.”
Walton said that the final stretch of the season will be difficult without James, but will present an opportunity for the rest of his young team. “It’s going to make it a challenge, but you know, it can be exciting if guys step up,” he said. “This group, it’s been fun, for where we’re at, it’s been fun to coach this group lately, and the way they’ve been playing out there. LeBron’s been a key part of that. We’ll have to figure some things out differently, but again, everyone’s getting a chance to play and try to help us win some more games.”
Kyle Goon: Interesting that the Lakers note that LeBron IS traveling to New Orleans and Oklahoma City with the team. This is the Lakers’ last road trip out of Staples Center.
Ira Winderman: Had been told, when LeBron was unable to make it to Bosh’s jersey retirement, that LeBron would be at Wade’s regular-season career finale April 10 in Brooklyn. Lakers; last game is April 9. Now travel should not be an issue (if it ever was).
LeBron James done for the season
Dave McMenamin: Lakers statement: “After consulting with our team doctors and medical staff, we have decided to hold LeBron out of games for the remainder of the season. This decision will allow his groin to fully heal, and is best for the future success of both LeBron and the Lakers.”
Mike Trudell: LeBron is back in the line up tonight after missing Wednesday’s game in Utah.
Harrison Faigen: The Lakers are listing LeBron as probable for tomorrow. Mike Muscala is also probable. Reggie Bullock and Tyson Chandler are questionable
Kyle Goon: Josh Hart is already listed as OUT for tomorrow’s game against the Wizards. Reggie Bullock and Mike Muscala are QUESTIONABLE. LeBron James is PROBABLE.
Mike Trudell: LeBron James is listed as probable with a left knee contusion for tonight’s game vs. SAC, while Josh Hart (knee tendinitis) is out, and Mike Muscala (tibialias posterior tendinitis) questionable.
Dr. Karen Joubert: As a PT for 27 years I have had the good fortune to work with some of the top athletes in the world … then came Lebron. I want you all to know how bad his injury was and is, the pain he endured. Along with his amazing trainer, Mike Mancias, he was on the court in 6 weeks, it should have been 6 months. Unselfishly, he endured pain, pain, pain. He did not want to let the Lakers down, the fans down. But I know what he went through! I learned about determination, the will to win, how to get the job done. He is a force to be reckoned with. @kingjames @mikemancias1 #lebronjames #lakers #basketball #lebron
Greg Logan: Walton says, “It’s nice being able to say #LeBron is back in the starting lineup.” Obviously, decision was made since shootaround.
Mike Trudell: LeBron – listed as probable/expected to play tonight – said after shootaround that missing last game due to the sore groin was about managing it and not taking a step backwards. “At this point of the season that’s the last thing I’d want is to take a step backwards.”
Mike Trudell: Luke Walton said Josh Hart won’t play tonight (sore knee). LeBron will play, Tyson Chandler is available and Lance Stephenson is questionable.
Mike Bresnahan: Lakers officially list LeBron James (sore groin) as probable for Friday’s game vs. Brooklyn.
Mike Trudell: LeBron’s been shooting 3’s with Kuzma for a good 30 minutes plus now. From afar, he’s been vocal and encouraging. Kuz has struggled from 3 all season, a source of frustration for him after a solid rookie year from 3, though his overall FG% is still up a bit.
Kyle Goon: Luke Walton on LeBron’s absence from the bench tonight: “I know up until the point we left to come out to the court he was on the table the entire time getting treatment.” Didn’t know LeBron’s schedule otherwise. We did see LeBron leaving after the game in the arena tunnel.
Kyle Goon: LeBron James is OUT tonight against the Bucks. Sore left groin, not load management.
When I crossed paths with James before Sunday night’s tipoff, in my weekend cameo with ESPN Radio, he acknowledged that hauling the Lakers to the playoffs will be a daunting assignment. But he also insisted that he’s starting to feel better physically at the most important time after missing a career-worst 17 consecutive games with a groin strain he sustained on Christmas. “It’s going to be tough, but we shouldn’t want it any other way,” James said. “I look forward to the challenge — and I’m getting healthy, too.”
Mike Trudell: LeBron confirmed that he’ll play tonight in Indiana after missing the previous contest due to load management.
Kyle Goon: I thought it was interesting that no Lakers player seemed to have any inkling before the game that LeBron might not be available tonight. Several said their first indication was when they heard as they arrived to the arena.
Tania Ganguli: LeBron talks about how he dealt with the past five weeks and, in his more negative moments, what brought him down. “I didn’t come here to put on a suit every day. I came here to put on a jersey and some shorts … and lead a team.” pic.twitter.com/BISGs9uUz1
Tania Ganguli: Luke Walton says officially that LeBron James will play. No minutes limit but they’ll keep a close eye on him.
Melissa Rohlin: Walton said LeBron has been frustrated over his 17-game absence, his longest absence bc of an injury. He said he’s surely “locked in” now.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will make his return Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers after missing nearly five weeks with a left groin strain, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Ohm Youngmisuk: LeBron James is now listed as doubtful to play tonight against the Clippers. Josh Hart and Kyle IKuzma are questionable to play. Luke Walton said there’s a possibility James could warm up before tonight’s game to see how he feels. Walton also said Kuzma was moving better this morning.
Dave McMenamin: Luke Walton says the Lakers are preparing as if LeBron won’t be available tomorrow. The Lakers say he is officially listed as out. Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart are both questionable. However Walton said today Kuzma did the most he’s done since sitting out with his hip injury.
A source familiar with James’ rehab told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that the Lakers are “hoping” James could return to game action against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday at Staples Center. “Depends on these next couple of days,” the source said.
LeBron James: Almost that time again! I’ve missed you so damn much! 😤🦁 🗣🤯#BeenACagedAngryLion. #striveforgreatness🚀 #jamesgang👑 photo cred @graydientvisuals
Bill Oram: LeBron James will be listed as out for Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia. Something extraordinary could change that, but he is expected to miss his 17th straight game.
Mike Bresnahan: There will probably be some sort of a minutes limit for LeBron James when he does return, Luke Walton said. Lakers have tomorrow’s home game vs. Philly and then six on the road before the All-Star break.
Kyle Goon: LeBron James is not officially out for tomorrow yet — Luke Walton said the Lakers will see how he feels tomorrow.
Tania Ganguli: LeBron practiced and was a full participant in their defensive drills which are full contact, Luke Walton said. But again he won’t play tomorrow against the Suns.
Kyle Goon: LeBron James is OUT tomorrow against the Suns. Kyle Kuzma did not practice and is QUESTIONABLE.
What is less clear is when James will return, but head coach Luke Walton said the Lakers can’t worry about that right now. “We’re not going to play the next week expecting that LeBron is going to be back,” Walton told reporters after the Lakers’ shootaround on Monday morning. “We’re going to play and practice and get after it like we’re not going to have him for a while. “Hopefully he gets back within a couple days, but that’s kind of our mindset when anyone gets hurt.”
Erik Horne: Paul George on LeBron James not playing in tonight’s game: “You want marquee guys to be healthy. We’re not looking for an off day or an easy day.”
While Paul believes that James has healed very well – in essence, that he has made six weeks’ worth of progress in just three weeks – the doctors made it very clear that a possible re-injury of the groin would be worse than the initial injury. Translation: James will not return until he is fully healthy. For the sake of chronicling the worst-case scenario timeline – however unlikely that might be – a return after six weeks would come on Feb. 5 (the Lakers play eight more times before then).
While James hates to see his teammates struggling, the risk of re-injury is too great to speed up the timeline because of the on-court results. Public pressure, in other words, won’t play a part here. “We don’t give a shit what nobody thinks or says,” Paul said via phone. “We’re going to do what’s best for him. The best-case scenario was three weeks, the worst-case was six weeks, and we’re right on schedule. He’ll improve his workload, and he’ll be day to day from there. “Now day to day doesn’t mean tomorrow or the next day (he’ll be back). Day to day means that after each day of his workload, we’ll evaluate it, and when he feels his best he’ll play. However long it takes, it’ll take. We’re not on nobody else’s timeline.”
In a conversation with The Athletic on Wednesday, Rich Paul made a few key things very clear. LeBron James’ injury, according to Paul, was a Grade 2 strain of the left groin that doctors said would require between three to six weeks recovery time. While Paul believes that James has healed very well – in essence, that he has made six weeks’ worth of progress in just three weeks – the doctors made it very clear that a possible re-injury of the groin would be worse than the initial injury. Translation: James will not return until he is fully healthy. For the sake of chronicling the worst-case scenario timeline – however unlikely that might be – a return after six weeks would come on Feb. 5 (the Lakers play eight more times before then). James is not yet targeting specific games for his possible return. While James hates to see his teammates struggling, the risk of re-injury is too great to speed up the timeline because of the on-court results. Public pressure, in other words, won’t play a part here.
Paul downplayed the significance of James’ age, instead highlighting the tricky nature of this particular injury. “Look, LeBron is in his 16th year, and he’s a proven guy,” Paul continued. “He doesn’t owe nothing to nobody. When he’s ready to be back, he’ll be back. It’s as simple as that. Until then, he’s going to root his teammates on and try to help them as best he can. “Obviously he cares (about their struggles). The man wants to play. He’s fucking itching to play, but he can’t put himself in that situation. It’s just, you’ve really got to do the right thing and it has zero to do with his age, or the fact that he’s played 16 seasons – nothing to do with that. This is a tendon. It’s not a shoulder, or an ankle, or an elbow. The smart thing to do is to do the smart thing. You can’t allow media, or the fact that the team might be losing, to dictate what’s best for you, and we won’t. He’s progressing. He’s not ready yet.”
LeBron James will miss at least the next two games for the Lakers as he continues to rehabilitate a strained left groin, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told ESPN on Tuesday. James has missed the past 11 games since suffering the injury on Christmas Day at the Golden State Warriors, and the Lakers have gone 4-7 in his absence, including Tuesday’s 107-100 win against the hapless Chicago Bulls at Staples Center.
James will have his groin injury re-evaluated in Los Angeles on Wednesday — the three-week mark since the injury occurred — and will not accompany the team on its two-game trip to Oklahoma City and Houston, Paul told ESPN.
LeBron James knew almost right away the injury he suffered on Christmas would be the worst of his career. “They told us three weeks was the best-case scenario,” James’ agent, Rich Paul, told The Athletic on Monday. “And then after three weeks, if he’s able to play, he’ll play.”
March 4, 2021 | 9:34 pm EST Update
Celtics win fourth game in a row beating Toronto
Gary Washburn: #Celtics beat the #Raptors 132-125, end this critical four-game stretch 4-0 and now get a week of rest before BRK next Thursday. Tatum 27, Brown 21, GWilliams 17, Walker 15.
Anthony Slater: Steve Kerr on James Wiseman: “He has to play more. We need to develop him.” Said his minutes will go up out of the break.
Connor Letourneau: Steve Kerr on his decision to start Nico Mannion at PG tonight: “Nico’s a true point guard. With Steph out, we need somebody to run the show, deliver the ball and get us organized. … It felt right to give him the start. Jordan (Poole) is going to play quite a bit as well.”
Kevin Love’s devotion to raising awareness and advocating for mental health during isolating times has earned him another honor. The Cavaliers forward and five-time All-Star received the first Humanitarian of the Year Award on Thursday night at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, an annual event that brings out the city’s top sports names but was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Love first went public with his own mental health issues in 2018, chronicling those struggles in an essay. His openness and willingness to share his personal story since has helped erase stigmas about mental issues and led to the NBA adopting programs to assist players. During the pandemic, Love, who has been sidelined most of this season with a calf injury, donated $100,000 through his foundation to assist team employees and workers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. He’s also donated meals to workers at the Cleveland Clinic.
