In the grand scheme of things for the Los Angeles Lakers, it doesn’t really matter. The team isn’t making the playoffs and is just running out the clock until the offseason, but it’s still news when the NBA’s biggest star is done for the year. Lebron James will miss the final six games of the Lakers’ regular season schedule as he recovers from a groin injury.
Los Angeles (34-42) has already been eliminated from playoff contention by a solid 10 games. James, as a player and a draw, was the lone bright spot to an abysmal Lakers season.
“After consulting with our team doctors and medical staff, we have decided to hold LeBron out of games for the remainder of the season,” the Lakers said in a statement. “This decision will allow his groin to fully heal, and is best for the future success of both LeBron and the Lakers.”
The Lakers have announced that LeBron James is done for the season.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) March 30, 2019
James has been hobbled since Christmas day when he suffered a small tear in his left groin. James said he heard a “pop” in his groin during a 127-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. He exited the game in the third quarter and did not return, finishing with 17 points and 13 rebounds in just 21 minutes.
The injury cost him 17 games and probably cost the Lakers a playoff spot. Los Angeles was 20-14 at the time, fourth in the NBA’s Western Conference. James played in just 55 games this season, the lowest mark of his career.
https://twitter.com/jtylerconway/status/1112097464667070471
This is a smart move by the Lakers. James is 34 and while that’s not old by real world standards, or even NBA standards, there’s no reason not to be careful to keep this (and other injuries) from becoming a recurring problem. James signed a four-year, $153.3 million contract last offseason and is worth every penny if he can actually stay on the floor.
James will finish the season averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists.
