Reports: LeBron James will be available for Lakers against Spurs after missing 5 straight games

Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix Suns
LA Lakers forward LeBron James

LA Lakers forward LeBron James will reportedly be active in Friday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs. After missing five consecutive games due to injury, James is finally back.

Ad

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the 18-time All-Star is clear to play after being sidelined due to a left groin strain. It's unclear whether James will have a minutes restriction, though.

Ad

So far, James has played 10 games this season. He's averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. The star forward is shooting 45.7%, including 23.9% from 3-point range. However, although James is back, Anthony Davis is reportedly listed as probable for Friday night's game.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

During the Lakers' five-game stretch without King James, they managed to have a 3-2 record, including a three-game winning streak. The streak ended before the NBA's Thanksgiving break with a 115-105 loss at the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The game was intense, and an altercation between Deandre Ayton and Patrick Beverley broke out.

Ad

The Lakers (5-11) won't have one of their best defenders in Beverley, as he was given a three-game suspension for pushing the Suns center.

youtube-cover
Ad

Also read: LeBron James’ lookalike in Switzerland-Cameroon FIFA World Cup game has NBA fans in splits: “Naah ain’t no mf way”, “Wtf he’s like an exact copy lmao”


The Lakers have been playing well without LeBron James

LA Lakers forward LeBron James
LA Lakers forward LeBron James

The Lakers have been struggling the entire season, and the blame has been tossed around. Even with Russell Westbrook on the bench, the team wasn't able to get some wins. Los Angeles is 5-11, which puts them right above the Houston Rockets, who are at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Ad

Before the four-time champion was injured, it took the Lakers five straight losses before they won a game. Luckily for them, they had back-to-back wins, giving them confidence after their horrific start. After that, however, the Lakers suffered another five-game losing slump.

With James out of the lineup, the team looked different. Players like Lonnie Walker IV, Anthony Davis and Westbrook were able to take over a few games. That was the reason for their recent three-game win streak that was snapped in Phoenix.

Ad
youtube-cover
Ad

In their matchup against the Spurs (6-3) on Friday night, everyone will get a chance to see how LeBron James will affect the offense.

The Lakers and Spurs will play again on Saturday night in San Antonio.

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications