Los Angeles Lakers fans may have to tone down their anticipation for LeBron James’ return.
On Thursday, the Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the NBA’s all-time scoring leader was starting on-court rehab with James having hope that he can return for at least the last three games.
However, soon after Charania’s report was posted, James posted a rebuttal to his Twitter account, claiming that he had not been re-evaluated nor had there been a timetable set for his return.
James has been out since Feb. 26 after he injured a tendon in his foot during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers have gone 7-5 in his absence, including a 122-111 win over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night.
The Lakers are a part of the crowded playoff picture in the Western Conference, with the 12-seeded New Orleans Pelicans only being 2.5 games behind of the fifth seed. Entering Thursday, the Lakers are tied for ninth with Dallas, both sporting 36-37 records. The team has been trying to recover from a 2-10 start to the season, going 34-27 since the start despite injuries to both James and Anthony Davis, along with roster reshuffling at the trade deadline.
In 47 games, the 38-year-old James is averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game, leading the Lakers in the points category.
It is an especially stressful time to be a Los Angeles Lakers fan, hoping the team continues to tread water until James is ready to play again. Unfortunately, he nor the fans know when that time is.
