Khris Middleton injury update: How long has the Milwaukee Bucks star been out for and what's his reported return date

After missing the opening weeks of the season, Khris Middleton is close to returning for the Milwaukee Bucks. Recent reports emerged that the three-time All-Star could make his season debut this week against the LA Lakers.

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Middleton, 31, missed the start of the season after undergoing surgery in the offseason to repair a torn ligament in his wrist.

Middleton has been a foundational piece for the Bucks in recent seasons. He has averaged over 20 points per game in four of the last five seasons, and has been an efficient shooter from deep. With his set of skills, he's the perfect partner for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In 66 games last season, Middleton averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.

What does Khris Middleton coming back mean for the Milwaukee Bucks

It goes without saying the Milwaukee Bucks will be more than pleased to get one of their stars back. They could potentially get him back in the lineup as we hit the quarter mark of the season.

The Bucks (14-5) are second in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics are the only team in the league with more wins than them at this point (17).

Giannis has been the main reason why the Bucks have coped well without Middleton. The six-time All-Star is an early favorite for MVP, and is averaging 30.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.

While Milwaukee is pleased with the production from their star player, getting Khris Middleton back will help take some of the pressure off Giannis' shoulders. "The Greek Freak" is more than capable of carrying the load on a nightly basis, but doing so could lead to burnout come playoff time. With their core still at its peak, the Bucks will be looking to add another championship to their resume.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, the Bucks have one of the best trios in the league. They were already a tough team to beat, and will only get better once Middleton is fully healthy. Milwaukee definitely looks like a team primed to make a run at the NBA title this season.