Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel addressed the media before their 125-121 overtime escape against the San Antonio Spurs.
Mainly, it was all about LeBron James and his ankle injury.
The superstar has undergone transitions regarding his availability on the said road game: from hoping to play; ‘probable’ and then after a matter of hours; ‘out’. Vogel claimed that they will not rush the recovery of James in order to return from the hardwood.
“He just got evaluated by the medical team [and] there was some soreness. We’re taking the marathon approach of holding him out.”
Vogel told reporters that James didn’t manage to practice on the court before the match, and the injury he experienced now was to the same ankle that kept him sidelined last season.
But, the mentor reiterated that it was a “different spot” and “different injury” now for James compared to the much horrible high ankle sprain last 2020-2021 campaign. Even though the severity may not be that intense, Lakers won’t still post a particular time of return for James — putting the four-time MVP as ‘questionable’ in the upcoming matchup vs. Oklahoma City Thunder.
“We’re going to see how he feels. He’s just day-to-day and he’ll get evaluated again tomorrow, see what the soreness is like and make a decision then.”
With the uncertainty surrounding James and his right ankle soreness, the Purple and Gold crew will continue to rely on its other two core foundations — Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. As such, the service of Carmelo Anthony and Kent Bazemore will be much needed also, especially on the wing spot.
