2 min read • December 22, 2021
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LeBron James suffered an apparent left ankle sprain mid-way through the 3rd quarter of the Lakers' Tuesday night bout with the Suns.
James, who missed 26 games last season with a high-ankle sprain on the right side, appeared to endure a standard low-inversion sprain with an injury to the lateral ligaments, or the ligaments on the outside of his foot. The ProBasketballDocs believe that this is a mild-to-moderate sprain that the 36-year-old will be able to play through. His ability and availability will depend on the level of ankle swelling over the next couple of days and going forward into the season. The world-renowned care and resources James puts into his body will help lubricate the recovery and management.
Los Angeles, 16-16, plays the Spurs on Thursday before a marquee matchup with the Nets on Christmas.
The Lakers cannot afford a long absence from James, as they are already without star big man Anthony Davis, who is expected to miss at least 4 weeks with a left MCL sprain he suffered on Dec. 17.
The 4-time MVP landed on Jae Crowder's foot while coming on a layup attempt with 6:05 left in the 3rd. James grabbed the injured ankle, slammed his right fist on the floor, tightened his laces and stayed in the game, although he appeared to lack his normal burst and seemed to avoid driving left on multiple occasions.
James was subbed out with 3:54 left in the quarter but stayed on the bench, getting medical attention on the injured ankle. He played 6-and-a-half minutes in the 4th quarter, scoring 7 points on 3-3 shooting with 2 rebounds and 1 assists, but left the game when the Suns extending their lead to 20 late in the contest.
James has scored 25.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists on 50.1% shooting in 19 games heading into tonight. The Lakers are 5-7 without him this season as he has dealt with right ankle and abdominal issues.
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