This Saturday’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics gave fans yet another thrilling chapter in one of the NBA’s most historic rivalries. Despite Boston’s nine-game winning streak against the defending champions, the Lakers made a valiant comeback in the fourth quarter after trailing for most of the game.
However, their momentum was cut short when LeBron James signaled toward head coach JJ Redick that something was wrong, making his way to the bench in clear discomfort following a timeout. That would be the last time Lakers fans saw James on the court that night, as it was later announced he would not return.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James will be out for the next 1-2 weeks with a groin injury, a major blow for a Lakers team already battling injuries to Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes. With Anthony Davis traded away earlier in the season, Los Angeles is left with limited big-man depth, relying on Hayes and Trey Jemison III, both of whom have stepped up in their respective roles.
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Projected Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup:
Starters | Bench |
|---|---|
PG: Luka Dončić | PG: Gabe Vincent |
SG: Austin Reaves | SG: Jordan Goodwin |
SF: Dorian Finney-Smith | SF: Dalton Knecht |
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt | PF: Markieff Morris |
C: Jaxson Hayes | C: Trey Jemison III |
Just when the team’s surge from the seventh to second seed in the Western Conference seemed too good to be true, losing James removes a key offensive pillar, as he has been averaging 25.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Lakers fans might be experiencing déjà vu, as this injury is eerily similar to the 2019 groin strain that sidelined James for 17 games. Known for his durability, James has rarely missed extended time throughout his career, but with the playoffs fast approaching in a stacked Western Conference, the Lakers will be hoping for a quick return.
For JJ Redick and his coaching staff, the offensive focus now shifts heavily onto Luka Doncic, who many believed was playing second fiddle to James due to their shared need for the ball. Though Doncic hasn’t been fully healthy since his Christmas Day calf injury, he still put up 34 points against Boston, even while dealing with lower back discomfort throughout the game. With James sidelined, Doncic’s workload is set to increase, making him the offensive force that Rob Pelinka originally envisioned.
The Lakers will need major contributions from their supporting cast, as their upcoming schedule is brutal — six games in eight days, including two matchups each against the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, two of the league’s top teams.
With the Western Conference standings tightening, Los Angeles faces an uphill battle to maintain their playoff position without their leader on the floor.