The Los Angeles Lakers’ eight-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday night with a 111-101 loss to the Boston Celtics. To make matters worse, Lakers superstar LeBron James was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to a groin injury. By Sunday morning, reports confirmed that James is expected to miss between one and two weeks as he recovers.
While this is certainly a setback for the Lakers, who have been surging in the standings, there is some positive news regarding James’ injury. ESPN insider **Shams Charania** provided further details on the situation, explaining that while soft tissue injuries can often result in extended absences, James’ situation appears to be less severe than some may have feared.
*”Typically with these soft tissue injuries, it leads to weeks-long absences, and it could be a potentially extended period of time here for LeBron James,”* Charania stated.
However, he also emphasized an encouraging sign that separates this injury from a more serious one James suffered in 2018.
*”Unlike in 2018, when LeBron James had that groin tear, I’m told he did not hear a pop last night in Boston,”* Charania added.
This distinction is significant. During the 2018-19 season, James suffered a groin tear while playing for the Lakers, an injury that forced him to miss 27 games in his first season with the team. In contrast, the fact that James did not experience a popping sensation this time suggests that his injury is not as severe, providing hope for a quicker return to the court.
Additionally, Charania pointed out that the Lakers’ strong position in the standings gives them the luxury of taking a cautious approach with James’ recovery.
“The Lakers have an ability to have caution with James since they are now third in the Western Conference,”* Charania noted.
With the team performing well and in a playoff-contending spot, the Lakers can afford to be patient with James’ rehabilitation to ensure he returns at full strength. While the initial recovery timeline is set at 1-2 weeks, James will undergo further evaluation to determine the full extent of his injury and confirm his return schedule.
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