According to multiple reports, Lakers All-Star forward LeBron James will not return after suffering a groin injury in the team's Christmas Day game vs. the Warriors.
The Lakers say LeBron James will not return to today's game. James' timeline for recovery is considered day to day at this point, according to a league source. However, he will receive a MRI which will give a clearer picture of the extent of the injury.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 26, 2018
James appeared to have suffered the injury early in the third quarter as an awkward change in direction caused him to lose his footing. The 14-time All-Star was visibly affected as he came up grimacing in discomfort.
LeBron hobbled back to the Lakers' locker room, at the 7:51 mark in the third quarter, alongside two of the team's athletic trainers. At the time of the injury, he had a team-high 17 points to go along with 13 rebounds and five assists.
Despite missing their best player, the young Lakers led by Rajon Rondo (15 points, 10 assists) blew out the two-time defending champions by 26 points.
👀 The @Lakers go into Oracle Arena and top GSW behind @RajonRondo (15 PTS, 10 AST), and @ivicazubac (18 PTS, 11 REB, 9-10 FGM)! #NBAXmas #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/d5jjDKNIBv
— NBA (@NBA) December 26, 2018
The Lakers return to action Friday when they travel to Sacramento to take on the Kings. Depending on the severity of James' groin injury, his streak of having played in 156 consecutive games (regular season and postseason) could be in jeopardy.
More to come.
