NBA Injury Report Week 14: LeBron James set to return this week, Lonzo Ball injury, and more

The 2018/19 NBA season has now passed the halfway point, and as the season approaches the All-Star Weekend, teams around the league are having to deal with a number of injuries.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors are among the teams dealing with star players being out injured, and here we will take a look at the return dates of a number of stars from around the NBA.

Andre Roberson - Knee - No Return Date

Melbourne United v Oklahoma City Thunder

Andre Roberson has been out of action for the Oklahoma City Thunder since suffering a leg injury back in January of last year. Despite already missing an entire year of action, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan revealed last week that the team still had no timescale on Roberson's return. Nevertheless, the OKC organization has continually stated that Roberson will play again this season, so hopefully, the team will soon provide a more concise update on the 27-year-old's status.

Chris Paul - Hamstring - 5-10 Days

Chris Paul injured his hamstring back in mid-December, although the Rockets point guard is now nearing a return. The 34-year-old returned to full team practice towards the end of last week, and according to Houston reporter Mark Berman, Paul could return at some point later this week.

J.J. Barea - Achilles - 6-9 months

J.J. Barea suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the Mavericks recent win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the point guard has since been ruled out for between 6-9 months. Despite being used from the bench, the 34-year-old was averaging 10.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 rebounds per game. Nevertheless, Barea's future with the Mavs is now in doubt as he will become a free agent this summer.

Lonzo Ball - Ankle Sprain - 4-6 Weeks

During the Los Angeles Lakers 138-134 loss against the James Harden inspired Houston Rockets, Lonzo Ball suffered an ankle injury after colliding with James Ennis. Ball was carried off the court following the clash, and his team has since issued the following press release:

Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, who was injured in last night’s game at Houston, underwent an MRI which revealed a Grade 3 left ankle sprain. Ball is expected to miss 4-6 weeks and updates will be provided as appropriate.

The injury is set to keep the 21-year-old out of action until after next months NBA All-Star break in North Carolina, and the Lakers now face the nightmare scenario of having both their senior point guards out with an injury. Lakers Head coach Luke Walton has already stated his disappointment at the timing of Ball's injury, although it remains to be seen if the Lakers will enter the trade market.

LeBron James - Groin - Should Return Later This Week

Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors

LeBron James has been out of action for the Los Angeles Lakers since suffering a groin injury during the Lakers Christmas Day win over the Golden State Warriors. The 14-time All-Star has already been away from the team for nearly a month, and in this time, the Lakers have struggled. Without James, the Lakers have slipped from 4th to 9th, and the team now faces a major fight to make the postseason.

Nevertheless, after missing the Lakers last 11 games, James returned to full practice on Sunday evening. Lakers head coach, Luke Walton has stated that the superstar is unlikely to play against the Houston Rockets on Monday, although the 34-year-old could be set for a return later in the week. The Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, followed by the Suns on Sunday evening, and James is likely to feature in at least one of these matchups.

Edited by Sripad