LeBron James is running out of time to play again this regular season. The Los Angeles Lakers have not given a projected return date for the NBA’s top player as he continues to miss games with a high ankle sprain.

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel told reporters Monday that James remains out indefinitely. It’s been assumed that James will return before the playoffs, though at this point, he won’t get much playing time in before the postseason.

James hasn’t played since he suffered the injury March 20 in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Shortly afterward, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that James’ expected recovery period was four to six weeks. On April 10, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that James could return in about three weeks.

Both reports indicated that James could return by this upcoming weekend. It certainly doesn’t seem like the 36-year-old will be back for Sunday’s matchup with the Toronto Raptors.

The Lakers have 11 games left in the regular season. After visiting the Washington Wizards Wednesday, L.A. is scheduled to go back home for a game against the Sacramento Kings Friday night. Twenty-four hours after hosting the Raptors Sunday, the Lakers will play the Denver Nuggets Monday night at Staples Center.

Maybe James will return for the Lakers’ game following that matchup with Denver. That would mean James suiting up against the Clippers May 6. Including that contest, the Lakers will have only 10 days and seven games left in the regular season.

The Lakers’ regular-season finale is scheduled for May 16 against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 2021 playoffs start May 22.

Despite injuries to James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have maintained the No. 5 seed in the West. With a 3.5-game lead over the No. 7 seed Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles is likely to make the playoffs and avoid having to compete for a postseason berth in the play-in tournament.

Before James got hurt, he was among the top MVP candidates. James is averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.

James led the Lakers on a championship run in last year’s bubble and won his fourth NBA Finals MVP award.

Lebron James #23 of Team LeBron reacts against Team Durant in the 70th NBA All-Star Game at State Farm Arena on March 07, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lebron James #23 of Team LeBron reacts against Team Durant in the 70th NBA All-Star Game at State Farm Arena on March 7, 2021, in Atlanta. Getty Images | Kevin C. Cox
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