Just as the Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be enjoying a rare stretch of good health with their three stars available together, injuries have once again become a concern.
During Thursday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James suffered an elbow injury late in the fourth quarter.
Although he briefly returned to the game with two minutes remaining, James exited again with 22 seconds left.
He subsequently missed the Lakers’ matchups against the Indiana Pacers on Friday and the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Now, concern is beginning to grow.
Lakers Monitoring LeBron James After New Injury Concern Appears
Ahead of the game against the Knicks, a notable update appeared on the Lakers’ injury report.
While James was officially listed as out with a “left elbow contusion,” the report also revealed he is dealing with “left foot arthritis.”
ESPN’s Malika Andrews noted before the matchup that it was primarily the foot issue keeping the 41-year-old sidelined rather than the elbow injury.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided a brief update, stating that James did not participate in practice and remains “day-to-day,” according to team reporter Mike Trudell.
“He said the team used practice today to clean up a few things,” Trudell added. “Pick-and-roll coverages and off-ball screening were two areas of emphasis.”
James missed the start of the season with sciatica, and the Lakers have continued to take a cautious approach with their veteran superstar.
Their next matchup comes Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Los Angeles Facing Growing Debate Around Lineup Fit
James’ absence has also arrived at a time when debate is growing around how the Lakers perform with different lineup combinations.
When the Lakers’ big three of James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have all been available, the team has posted an 11-6 record, according to NBA Central.
However, certain two-man combinations have produced different results. When James and Reaves have played together, Los Angeles holds a 3-3 record.
Meanwhile, the pairing of Doncic and Reaves has gone an impressive 9-2, adding fuel to ongoing discussions about the team’s lineup dynamics.
“This is not a commentary on LeBron. But when LeBron doesn’t play, and Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic do, the Lakers are a better team,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently said on First Take.
“Now, JJ Redick might say to you, ‘Give me more time, we’re getting better with that trio.’ The numbers say that that is true. However, the numbers say that when Luka and Reaves play together, the Lakers are a really good team.”
Windhorst also noted that when all three stars share the floor, the Lakers have performed like an “average to below average team.”
Despite closing February on a three-game losing streak, Los Angeles has since bounced back, winning five of its last six games and currently riding a two-game winning streak with James sidelined.
The Lakers currently sit fifth in the Western Conference with a 39-25 record, tied with the Denver Nuggets in sixth.
While Los Angeles is just one game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in third, the Phoenix Suns remain only two games back in the play-in zone, increasing the pressure for results as the season moves into a crucial stretch.
Lakers Hit With Concerning LeBron James Injury Update