LeBron James (ankle) likely back for Lakers Friday vs. Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers began the final part of the season with a disappointing 128-110 defeat to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. However, Lakers coach Darvin Ham anticipates that LeBron James, who is 39 years old and has only played 14 minutes in the last week and a half, will likely return to the court on Friday.
James missed the Lakers’ last game before the All-Star break due to a sore left ankle and sat out again on Thursday to rest it after receiving treatment during the break.
The Lakers are set to play against the San Antonio Spurs, who recently lost 127-122 to the Sacramento Kings, in a back-to-back game for both teams.
While James was absent on Thursday, the Lakers’ other star player, Anthony Davis, was dealing with a sore throat that left him barely able to speak. Despite his condition, Davis managed to score 27 points, make 15 rebounds, and block 3 shots.
Ham emphasized the importance of communication in games, especially when facing strong opponents like Steph Curry. He acknowledged that Davis’s voice issue affected the game but commended him for his effort.
Curry’s Rain of 3-Pointers Drowns Lakers in LeBron’s Absence!
The Lakers are also dealing with the absence of several players, including Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, and now Christian Wood due to a swollen left knee. Ham stressed the importance of the team’s health in achieving their goals.
