On Sunday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without superstar small forward LeBron James when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers at home. The Lakers have been up and down thus far on the 2023-24 season, as the team currently sits at a subpar 4-5 on the campaign; however, James has continued playing at an elite level so far this year despite this being his 21st year in the association, with his 39th birthday coming up at the end of next month.
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James sustained a contusion to his leg during the Lakers’ most recent game, a narrow road win against the Phoenix Suns, and although he was able to finish that contest, he has since been ruled out for Sunday evening’s tilt against the Blazers, marking the first game he’s missed so far this year. Now, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has shed a bit more light on the extent of the injury, describing James’ condition as “day to day” moving forward, but stating that the Lakers didn’t want to push things this early in the season, per Michael Corvo of Clutchpoints.
Despite his age and the mileage on his body, LeBron James has been the Lakers’ best and consistent player so far in 2023-24. Although the Lakers still have some work to do on their perimeter shooting, perhaps Friday’s road win against the Suns will be a good starting point to get the team back on track. In James’ absence, expect Anthony Davis to see an increased role in the offense, starting Sunday against Portland.
