A week after taking an unexpected hiatus from the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James is listed as questionable with “left foot injury management” prior to their game against the Memphis Grizzlies, per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
Lakers Find New Way To Explain Away LeBron James’s Absence
What’s surprising about the Lakers’ pregame injury report is that there was little indication that James was feeling the effects of a lingering injury.
Though his defensive activity had slowed down, many chalked up it to him approaching 40 years old. A look at the film suggested that his scoring woes largely came down to shot-selection. However, as James has had a history of foot injuries since joining the Lakers, it’s entirely plausible that he was resting a flawed extremity.
With that being said, L.A. originally excused James for “personal reasons.” In that time, there were questions about whether he was considering a trade or even retirement. That’s not normally what happens when a player says they need to handle a personal matter or when they’re managing an injury. All of which begs the question of whether there’s any truth to the rumors.
Open For Business?
The Lakers’ issue isn’t just that they’re an inconsistent team that lacks ideal personnel. It’s also that they find themselves in a position the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat have been in before James decided to leave them. Like Los Angeles, their team appeared to have reached their ceiling. Their assets were limited.
James has never been traded in-season.
However, the Golden State Warriors wanted to make a move for him in 2023-24. This season, the Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as an option. For what it’s worth, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has interest in playing alongside James again, at least in Texas. Phoenix Suns wing Kevin Durant could consider what it’s like joining forces with James just based on mutual respect.
Elephant In The Room
With James signing a 1+1 deal with the Lakers in the offseason, this could very well be his last season. Unlike other perennial All-Stars, James has expressed a desire to leave the game while he’s still dominant. To this point in the season, he has been. However, the elephant in the room is that there may have been one too many flashes of what it’ll be like when he’s no longer among the NBA’s elite.
If that’s James’s mindset, then he might be more motivated than ever to win a championship. That puts pressure on the Lakers to make a bold transaction that improves the team. It also opens up a door that The Kid From Akron could walk out of, requesting a trade that puts him better position to go out on top.
