Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will likely play against the San Antonio Spurs tonight (2/23) after missing the Golden State Warriors game last night (2/22). The Lakers lost to the Warriors without LeBron, the leading scorer in NBA history.
LeBron is dealing with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy. He underwent treatment during the All-Star break.
“We’ll get an official word [Friday] morning and see, but in all likelihood, he should be out there tomorrow,” Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said about LeBron.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN, LeBron hopes the treatment he had on his left ankle will enable him to finish the season stronger.
LeBron is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists this season for the Lakers while shooting 52.0% from the field, 39.5% from beyond the arc and 74.1% from the free-throw line. The NBA legend has 16 double-doubles and three triple-doubles in 49 games.
The Lakers are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 30-27. If the season ended today, Los Angeles would be in the play-in tournament for the third time in four years.
Before the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indiana, LeBron spoke about his left ankle injury. The four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP played just 14 minutes in the All-Star Game, finishing with eight points, four rebounds and three assists.
“Trying to get my ankle as strong and as back to where I feel confident that I can finish off this last third of the season,” LeBron said. “I won’t be playing the entire game tonight, for sure. I can get out there and run around with the young guys for a little bit and then shut it down at some point to give my body, and my ankle more importantly, another opportunity to rest.”
LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers worth $51.4 million. The 20-time All-Star said he’s “happy” being on the Lakers while talking to reporters during All-Star weekend.
