2 min read • March 23, 2022
Posted in
Check out the matchup Court View here.
Lakers star Lebron James has been ruled out for tonight's ESPN matchup against the 76ers with left knee soreness/effusion.
James has been managing the knee issue for a majority of the season at this point. The source of the soreness is a Baker's cyst, as the ProBasketballDocs detailed here in late January.
The last game the four-time MVP missed was March 7 in San Antonio. The last home game he missed was February 2 against the lowly Portland Trailblazers.
Since sitting five straight games in late January/early February, James has averaged 31.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 38 minutes per game.
He's shooting 52.6% from the field and 35.7% from three during that 19-game stretch.
Despite Lebron's excellence, the Lakers have gone 6-13 in that span and currently sit in the ninth spot in the West. Los Angeles is one game clear of the New Orleans Pelicans and four games behind the Clippers.
Now Carmelo Anthony ($4,600) and Russell Westbrook ($8,200) will be tasked with providing a majority of the offense for the Lakers.
Malik Monk ($5,100) will also likely see increased production with James out.
With James Harden and Joel Embiid back in the lineup, the 76ers are 9-point favorites in Los Angeles and the over/under is 227.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Written by
