Lakers News: LeBron James' Conditioning Coach Gives Alarming Update

The Los Angeles Lakers may have to get used to playing for the next couple of months without LeBron James.

Initially forecasted to be out for weeks, it appears the four-time NBA champion may sit on the sidelines for a longer spell--according to James’ strength and conditioning coach Tim DiFrancesco.

In an Instagram post, the coach shared that James could be out for at least eight weeks to allow his rectus abdominal strain to heal.

The timeline depends on how severe the injury of the 36-year-old Lakers star is.

“This type of injury can easily develop into a more severe strain of the RA or other related condition. The requirements of the RA are constant on the court. It’s normal to expect a four-eight week recovery period of this injury if it is a minor to mild strain,” DiFrancesco’s Instagram post read.

DiFrancesco also backed that up in an interview with The Athletic.

“Especially the way he plays, it’s tough for me to see him getting back under four weeks, these are such delicate injuries that can respond to rest with pain relief quickly, but they are highly susceptible to re-injury if returned too quickly,” he stated.

However, DiFrancesco is not discounting the possibility of being proven wrong.

“As I stated in the article, I’m not privy to the grade of this case. I’m speaking across grades and what to expect depending on what grade it is. My hope is that he is dealing with a basic grade one and he’s back in action soon,” the conditioning coach explained.

With that said, Lakers coach Frank Vogel will have to make the necessary adjustments and hope that other players step up.

Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook will have to pick up the slack as well as most of the other recruits donning the purple and gold uniform.

Davis is also dealing with injuries this early in the season, while Westbrook continues to struggle to find his place with the Lakers.