John Hefferon MD
2 min read • November 23, 2022
Posted in
Lebron James intends to return from his groin strain Friday against the Spurs, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
By video, the Pro Basketball Docs projected his groin strain would keep him out until December. This return less than a week before the year’s final month is good news for James and the Lakers, who fell to 5-11 with Tuesday’s loss to the Suns.
He returns with a SIC score of 84, indicating he is at slight risk for reinjury and may not play full minutes in his return.
James has missed five games since injuring his groin against the Clippers on Nov. 9, with the Los Angeles Lakers going 3-2 without the 18-time All Star.
James missed 17 games after straining his groin in 2018, but said immediately after this injury that this groin strain was not as severe.
After early season injury trouble, the Lakers have guard Dennis Schroeder and center Thomas Bryant back in the fray.
In the last five games, the team has averaged 117.2 per game. That’s a marked increase from the 107.6 points they averaged in the first 10 games of the season.
James, 38, is averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 10 games this season and is shooting 56% from the field and 23.9% from three.
The Lakers are +13000 to win the NBA Finals and Lebron James is at +37000 to win regular season MVP, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Luka Doncic is the current favorite for MVP at +270. He’s averaging 33.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.1 assists on 49.4% from the field and 28.8% from 3.
Written by John Hefferon MD
