LeBron James’ Return From Injury Could Be One Of These Games As Lakers Eye Playoffs

LeBron James’ return from injury finally appears to be on the horizon. The NBA’s top superstar might suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers after just a few more games.

James could be on track to play sometime next week, according to the Orange County Register. The 36-year-old has been recovering from a high ankle sprain that he suffered on March 20.

The Lakers host the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Los Angeles is scheduled to conclude its three-game homestand against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, a potential return date for James.

Considering the Lakers’ cautious approach with their best player, James might be more likely to return in one of the team’s following two games. The Lakers play the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers back-to-back on May 6 and 7.

“I mean, he’s close,” Lakers guard Dennis Schoeder said earlier this week, via The Athletic. “I can tell you that much. We’re ready. We can’t wait for him to get back to help us win games again and be together at the right time. Eleven games in and get to work.”

James is running out of time to play again this regular season. L.A. only has 10 games left on its schedule, which concludes May 16.

The playoffs start May 22. Los Angeles is likely headed straight to the postseason, though James’ absence has at least opened the possibility of the Lakers being forced to compete in the play-in tournament.

Including the game James exited early because of his injury, the Lakers have gone 8-13 since the reigning NBA Finals MVP got hurt. The team has lost four of their last five games. As the No. 5 seed in the West, the Lakers trail the No. 4 seed Nuggets by five games and only sit 1.5 games ahead of the No. 6 seed Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers are two games ahead of the No. 7 seed Portland Trail Blazers, who are the first West team in the play-in tournament.

Anthony Davis recently returned from his own extended absence because of injuries. The Lakers are 1-3 with Davis back in the lineup.

James was a top MVP candidate before getting hurt. With James expected to be ready for the playoffs, the Lakers are still sizable betting favorites to represent the West in the finals.