The hope was that LeBron James would be able to return before the postseason begins, and that time has come.
The Lakers star was sidelined for 13 straight games due to a foot injury. The Lakers managed to go 8-5 in his absence, sitting in a tie for seventh place in the Western Conference at 37-37.
James' return comes with eight games remaining in the season, giving Los Angeles a boost to try and clinch a playoff spot down the home stretch.
Here's everything we know about James' injury and his return to the floor.
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What is LeBron James' injury?
James suffered a right foot injury in the second half of the Lakers' comeback win over the Mavericks on Feb. 26.
With under four minutes remaining in the third period, James drove on Mavericks center Dwight Powell and missed a layup. He then fell to the ground while holding his foot and was heard saying, "I heard a pop."
Here's a video of the injury:
James remained in the game and played most of the fourth quarter. He finished with 26 points in 37 minutes.
How long will LeBron James be out?
James will make his return on Sunday, March 26 against the Bulls, per The Athletic's Shams Charania. He will be coming off the bench for just the third time in his career.
LeBron James is now available to make his Lakers return today vs. Bulls. https://t.co/q8aWmdHZtx
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 26, 2023
James was upgraded to "doubtful" on Saturday before receiving another status update on Sunday, listed as "questionable."
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported James would warm up to try and play on Sunday and it appears the Lakers star was feeling healthy enough to make his highly anticipated return.
James is averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists over 47 games this season.
Lakers schedule 2022-23
At 37-37, the Lakers are currently tied for seventh place in the Western Conference standings. They trail the Warriors by 1.5 games for a top-six seed.
Here are Los Angeles' remaining games of the 2022-23 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| March 26 | vs. Bulls | 3:30 p.m. | — |
| March 29 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
| March 31 | at Timberwolves | 8 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 2 | at Rockets | 7 p.m. | — |
| April 4 | at Jazz | 9 p.m. | — |
| April 5 | at Clippers | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| April 7 | vs. Suns | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 9 | vs. Jazz | 3:30 p.m. | — |
LeBron James career stats, highlights
- 27.2 points per game
- 7.5 rebounds per game
- 7.3 assists per game
- 1.5 steals per game
- 0.8 blocks per game
- 3.5 turnovers per game
- 38.1 minutes per game
- 50.5 percent field goal shooting
- 34.4 percent 3-point shooting
- 73.5 percent free throw shooting
