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LeBron James has been ruled questionable by the LA Lakers for Friday night’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. James has been dealing with right foot soreness since returning from a 13-game absence due to a right foot injury.
“King James” injured his right foot on February 26 against the Dallas Mavericks. He managed to avoid season-ending surgery and returned to the lineup on March 26 versus the Chicago Bulls.
James has played the Lakers’ last six games, including a back-to-back set on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz and Wednesday versus the LA Clippers.
The toll of playing two consecutive games has the Lakers’ training staff worried, which is why LeBron James will be heavily monitored during this morning’s shootaround. James’ status may change as game time draws nearer.
The 19x NBA All-Star declared after the All-Star game that the Lakers’ last 23 remaining regular-season games will be the most important of his career. If he doesn’t have any setbacks, basketball fans can expect him to lead the purple and gold team tonight.
After averaging just 20 points in his first four games since his return, he has put up 35.0 points in his last two. The Lakers will need him to be on the floor as they try to clinch a playoff spot.
LeBron James isn’t worried about playing in the play-in tournament
The seventh-seeded LA Lakers (41-39) are one game behind the Golden State Warriors (42-38) for the sixth spot and a guaranteed playoff spot. LA will be going all-out to win their two remaining games to hopefully clinch a postseason appearance.
LeBron James, after the loss to the LA Clippers on Wednesday, had this to say about the Lakers’ potential play-in tournament participation:
“It is what it is. Wherever we end up, that’s where we end up. … We don’t have the luxury of ‘This is what we needed to do, this is where we’re gonna be.’ We just continue to play good basketball. … We’ll see what happens. Wherever we fall, we’d be ready to go.”
The LA Lakers could be in a favorable situation on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Devin Booker might be given the night off, considering they will be playing the second night of a back-to-back set.
The Suns have also locked in the fourth seed in the Western Conference and will not take chances with injuries. Phoenix head coach Monty Williams played Durant, "CP3," Booker and Ayton to give them more chemistry on Thursday. They're likely to be shut down for the rest of the season.
LeBron James and his teammates may be gifted with a golden opportunity to improve their outright playoff aspirations.
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