Lakers: LeBron James aiming to return from ankle sprain next week

Look for LeBron James to return to the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup by early next week.

After coming back from his injured right ankle prematurely, LeBron James will not be making his Los Angeles Lakers return until Tuesday or Wednesday next week at the earliest.

James has missed ample time with this high ankle sprain suffered in early March against the Atlanta Hawks. While he came back the final day of April, James only lasted two games before being shut down again. He missed Monday’s win over the Denver Nuggets and is expected to miss at least the Lakers’ next three games vs. the LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns.

James will return either on Tuesday, May 11 against the New York Knicks or Wednesday, May 12 against the Houston Rockets. Both of these games will be home games for the Lakers at Staples Center.

Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James will return in time for 2021 NBA Playoffs

The good news here is the Lakers have no intentions on rushing James back into the starting lineup. His premature return last week feels like it was more of his call than not. By not forcing him out there until the playoffs begin, the Lakers are positioning themselves the best they can ahead of the postseason. Whether it is in the play-in tournament or in the first round remains to be seen.

Los Angeles sits at 37-28 ahead of Thursday night’s game vs. the Clippers. The Lakers currently occupy the ever-crucial No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Getting a top-six seed this year is paramount, as seeds 7-10 will have to take part in the play-in tournament. We know that James is not a fan of this, so avoiding the play-in portion has to be their top priority.

With James coming back in the final games of the season, the Lakers can gear up for the playoffs.