LeBron James Will Miss 'Multiple Weeks' with High Ankle Sprain
The Lakers' repeat bid just took another big hit.
Lakers superstar — and MVP frontrunner — LeBron James is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a high right ankle sprain, according to The Athletic.
Developing – LeBron James is initially expected to miss several weeks due to his high right ankle sprain, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 22, 2021
📚: https://t.co/kJdYXQh00e pic.twitter.com/XSE9G3eEbQ
James suffered the injury Saturday after diving for a loose ball and colliding with Solomon Hill against the Atlanta Hawks.
While the play appeared to be kosher, some Lakers were not pleased with Hill after the game.
Montrezl Harrell on Solomon Hill's dive into LeBron: "We don't feel like it was one of those basketball-type plays."
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) March 20, 2021
On follow-up: "He had to go through his leg to get the ball." Says he didn't think he intend to hurt James but that it's something that the league should look at.
Dennis Schröder said it was an “unnecessary play” for Solomon Hill to dive into LeBron’s right leg the way he did.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 20, 2021
The Lakers have been snake bitten by injuries to their top players, with Anthony Davis already nursing a calf injury.
The Lakers are a deep and versatile team that was still playing incredible defense even without Davis, but losing James will make it difficult for Los Angeles to tread water in the competitive Western Conference.
James is averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists this season.
The Lakers will look to Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma and Talen Horton-Tucker to carry the burden while their two stars recover.
As James recuperates his injury, he's stuck with the team on the road trip with a boot on his leg, a gesture that has not gone unnoticed by teammates.
Dennis Schroder says LeBron's presence on this trip shows his commitment to the organization: "In my career, I see people get hurt and not come on the road trip. ... You see him on the bench, even though he's hurt, means a lot to me."
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) March 22, 2021
The Lakers are currently 28-15, good for third place in the Western Conference.
Photo: Getty Images
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