LeBron James injured his ankle, battling with his soreness

LeBron went through a severe right ankle injury in the match held on Thursday’s night and is still struggling with his wound.

The Lakers ruled out James for Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers after he already missed the big match of Denver Nuggets on Monday. He had a bitter soreness during his two-game return; otherwise, he is a day-to-day game player, as said by Lakers coach Frank Vogel. 

He added, James, after missing 21 games this season in a row because of his severe ankle sprain will he be able to absorb one more long-term absence where only 7 regular-season games are left?

The Lakers hold the sixth position as per the Western conference and have only a one-game lead, i.e., Portland Trail Blazers. However, if they rank anywhere from seventh to tenth in the Western Conference, they will have to participate in the NBA’s play-in tournament. 

Vogel said that the team wants him back as healthy as possible, and it’s their No.1 goal at the moment. No matter where the team stands, they want James to be healthy for the playoffs. Other than this, they will try their best to compete in the match and win as many games as they can down the stretch. 

Without James, the Lakers are standing at 9-13 this season. The Lakers faced multiple playoffs in the coming week, namely Clippers, Portland on Friday, Phoenix Suns on Sunday, and the NY Knicks on May 12. 

Nevertheless, the Lakers won the playoff against the Nuggets on Monday, which they played without James. They reduced the 16-point deficit to 6 after James’ departure and stood at 6:42. 

With the Lakers wishing to avoid the play-in tournament, LeBron admitted it does not matter that when the day ends if he is not 100 percent or even close to 100 percent. 

Moreover, the Lakers guard Alex Caruso said it is a pleasure to have LeBron in the team as he makes everything a lot easier. He added that he thinks of him as a good player as he has been to multiple finals and many deep playoffs. But the team is also strong to win the game even when James is not right by our sides. 

The play is now depending on two variables. One is how long LeBron will be out because of his ankle? Second, how will the Laker’s chemistry evolve?

James said recently that he does not think he will recover 100% ever. But the Lakers put pressure that James has not experienced any setbacks involving his ankle. With not much time left for the Lakers to practice, James has to test out his ankle in the game. 

The Lakers do not have definitive players without Dennis Schroder and James, who often get sidelined due to health and safety protocol. The Lakers have also added Talen-Horton Tucker responsible for Thursday’s game after missing practice on Wednesday because of a strained right calf. So apart from adding Caruso’s playmaking responsibilities, Vogel has assigned Marc Gasol and Davis the same duty as well.