LeBron James remains sidelined with a groin strain, and the Los Angeles Lakers are taking a cautious approach to his recovery. According to NBA insider Shams Charania on NBA Countdown, James has resumed on-court workouts but is still expected to miss at least another week.
“I’m told LeBron James is actually having his first workout since that groin strain last weekend,” Charania said. “He is expected, though, to miss at least another week. His exact return will be based on how his body responds to increased activity here over the coming days and the coming week.”
The 40-year-old has logged heavy minutes this season and participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics last summer, factors that have influenced the Lakers’ careful handling of his injury. Charania emphasized that the team is not rushing him back.
“The Lakers and James will be very cautious,” Charania noted. “He’s 40 years old, this is a soft tissue injury, we know he’s played heavy minutes this season.”
James is averaging 25 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in 34.9 minutes per game this season. The Lakers have lost all three games since his injury and have slipped from second to fifth in the Western Conference standings.
Los Angeles (40-25) returns home tonight to face the Phoenix Suns, aiming to break a four-game losing streak. Luka Doncic, dealing with a right ankle sprain, is listed as probable.
The Lakers’ injury report remains extensive, with James, Rui Hachimura (knee tendinopathy), and Maxi Kleber (foot surgery recovery) ruled out. Jaxson Hayes (knee contusion) will return, while Dalton Knecht, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent are listed with varying statuses. Charania also provided an update on Hachimura’s potential return.
“Jaxson Hayes, their starting center, I’m told he will make his return to the lineup tonight after missing a few games with a knee contusion,” Charania said.
Additionally, Charania provided an update on Hachimura’s potential return.
“Rui Hachimura has been out eight consecutive games with a knee injury,” he said. “I’m told there’s optimism he’s going to be back here within the week.”
Phoenix (31-26) has struggled despite featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The Suns, currently 11th in the West, trail the 10th-seeded Dallas Mavericks by 1.5 games. They will be without Grayson Allen (foot strain) and Jalen Bridges (G League). Monte Morris is questionable, while Nick Richards is probable.
This will be the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the Lakers and Suns, with Phoenix leading the series 2-1. Both teams will need contributions from their supporting cast as they fight for playoff positioning.
