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LeBron James' injury could be in the rearview mirror as the LA Lakers star is expected to make his return on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. James has missed the last five games due to a left adductor strain. The Lakers have a record of three wins and two losses in his absence.
Chris Haynes of TNT revealed during the game between the Lakers and Phoenix Suns on Tuesday that James will return on Friday. Haynes cited league sources saying that "The King" is ready to play again.
"LeBron James is missing his fifth straight game with that groin strain," Hayne said. "But I'm told that will be the extent because league sources informed me that LeBron will make his return Friday in San Antonio."
LeBron James last played on Nov. 9 against the LA Clippers. James suffered a strained left adductor in the game that kept him out of the last five games. He also has a lingering foot injury, but it seems like that's also on the back burner.
With the season still in its early stages, the Lakers were understandably cautious with their aging superstar. James has been prone to injuries ever since joining the team in 2018. He has missed a total of 90 regular season games due to various knocks.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham told reporters last week that they want to take their time on James' recovery. Ham added that the four-time champ plans to play a lot of games this season and was staying active during his recovery.
"He's staying in rhythm," Ham said. "But again, what you do in a 1-on-0 workout or 5-on-0 workout is a lot different than going in a game where you're bumping bodies, changing speeds, changing direction. That's not predictable and not as controlled as an individual workout. So again, there's no need to be in a hurry with him. He's gonna definitely play a big bulk of games this season."
LeBron James' injury hasn't slowed the LA Lakers down
The LA Lakers have played well in the last five games during LeBron James' absence. The Lakers were 3-2 during that span, which included a three-game winning streak.
Anthony Davis has been playing like an MVP without his superstar teammate. Davis is averaging 33.2 points, 17.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.2 steals and 2.6 blocks in those five games.
Some of the teams the Lakers defeated during their brief three-game winning streak were the Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs. James' return might be even better for the Lakers moving forward.
The Lakers' next game is on Friday and Saturday against the Spurs in San Antonio. They then return home to welcome the Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers before embarking on a tough six-game Eastern Conference road trip.
