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NBA fans might not see LeBron James play for the LA Lakers for a while. He has been ruled out of tonight's game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a sore right foot.
James injured his right foot against the Dallas Mavericks two nights ago in a remarkable comeback win. Despite the injury, the do-it-all forward managed to score 11 in the fourth quarter to help his team overturn a 27-point deficit and pull off a stunning victory.
According to Shams Charania, the four-time NBA MVP could miss a significant amount of time due to the injury:
“There's fear Lakers star LeBron James is likely to miss an extended period of time with his right foot injury," he tweeted. "James suffered the injury in Sunday's win over Dallas, played through it, and belief is he will be sidelined an indefinite amount.”
Over the All-Star weekend, LeBron James asserted that the LA Lakers’ last 23 NBA regular-season games would be the most important of his career. He has played in just two of those games and will now be sidelined indefinitely.
The Lakers (29-32) are just 3.5 games behind the New Orleans Pelicans (30-32) for 10th in the Western Conference. Coach Darvin Ham recently claimed that his team would be looking to nail the sixth spot and an automatic postseason berth.
However, their task will be much tougher now without the 19-time NBA All-Star.
Meanwhile, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been upgraded by the Milwaukee Bucks to probable tonight versus the Brooklyn Nets. Antetokounmpo left the game early against the Miami Heat on February 24 after seemingly banging knees with Victor Oladipo.
Antetokounmpo sat out the Bucks’ 104-101 victory against the Phoenix Suns two nights ago. He has reportedly practiced with the team without any issues. The NBA All-Star captain could return to action tonight.
The “Greek Freak” has been banged up of late. He also injured his wrist against the Chicago Bulls before the All-Star break.
The Milwaukee Bucks, however, seem unfazed despite Antetokounmpo's recent injuries.
Draymond Green: Right knee contusion; Injured since Feb. 23, 2023
Draymond Green injured his right knee in the Golden State Warriors’ first game after the All-Star break. Green missed back-to-back games before being upgraded to probable tonight versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
Despite the absence of Green, Andrew Wiggins (personal) and Steph Curry (leg), the Warriors pulled off two great wins behind Klay Thompson’s explosive performances. Having Green back on the court will greatly help Golden State in extending their modest two-game winning run.
Jonathan Kuminga will likely get Draymond Green’s starting spot if the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year is unavailable.
De’Aaron Fox: Left wrist soreness; Injured since February 26, 2023
De’Aaron Fox is questionable tonight for the Sacramento Kings versus the OKC Thunder due to a sore left wrist. The newly-named All-Star apparently acquired the injury against the Thunder in their previous game two nights ago.
Fox played 37 minutes and finished with a game-high 33 points and eight assists. Given that the injury is on his shooting hand, the Kings might be extra careful with him. He will likely be a game-time decision.
If De’Aaron Fox is unavailable, Davion Mitchell, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray could see increased playing time.
