The Los Angeles Lakers might have been able to extend their win streak had they been healthy enough.
Injured LeBron James May Be Out ‘Weeks’
However, after LeBron James exited the game with a groin strain with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, their comeback attempt fell apart. Over the next four minutes, the Lakers scored 10 points, failing to make basket for more than a minute and a half. By the time the final horn sounded. A pair of free-throws by Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum iced the game with 38 seconds left.
This is the play where LeBron strained his left groin. MRI will determine severity and timeline to return
Grade I: 1-2 weeks
Grade II: 4-6 weeks pic.twitter.com/TGpbke4bxI— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) March 9, 2025
It was a valiant effort by a team that’s kicked it into high gear since the trade deadline. However, Los Angeles is likely less concerned with losing the game than James. Indeed, Lakers head coach JJ Redick admits there’s “obviously concern” (h/t The Athletic’s Jovan Buha).
JJ Redick said there is “obviously concern” with LeBron James’ groin strain, but he clarified that he doesn’t have any additional information.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 9, 2025
Additionally, according to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, “the initial thought is that (the groin injury) will sideline James for a matter of weeks, not a matter of days.”
It is too early to project an accurate timetable for how long LeBron James could miss because of his left groin injury, sources told ESPN. However one source said the initial thought is that it will sideline James for a matter of weeks, not a matter of days.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 9, 2025
If so, that could put a damper on their plans.
Chemistry, Deja Vu
The Lakers’ regular season finale is on April 13 and he’ll likely return before then. However, this stretch has been particularly important, primarily because he and Luka Doncic have been building their chemistry. They’ve now played a handful of games together, including multiple matchups against playoff contenders. Nonetheless, it’s only been about a week since Doncic started getting his wind and his rhythm.
For James, this injury might bring back bad memories. He sustained a groin strain in 2018-19; the first major injury of his career and his first season with the Lakers. He then missed 17 games as L.A. fell out of postseason contention. The Lakers are currently third in the Western Conference standings but they could still fall out of the running.
© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
