NBA News: Lakers Will Need 'Help' With LeBron James Grounded By COVID-19

The Los Angeles Lakers just cannot seem to catch a break.

Already struggling with a depleted roster, the team will be missing the services of the 36-year-old player for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19.

The update was reported by Sham Charania of The Athletic, revealing that James will enter the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols ahead of the Lakers’ game against the Sacramento Kings.

However, the game against the Kings will only be one of many problems that the Lakers will have to deal with.

James will miss at least four games that would be against playoff-favorite teams. That list includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies.

As of this writing, the Lakers are 11-11 in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers are coming off a 110-106 win over the Detroit Pistons with James finishing with a season-high 33 points, nine assists, and five rebounds.

With James out during that span, it will be up to Lakers coach Frank Vogel to find a way again to survive without the four-time champion present.

Anthony Davis has been doing his best, but all eyes are likely to be on Russell Westbrook once more.

The former NBA MVP has yet to consistently come out with a good performance, and James’ absence could be the best time to do so.

Vogel is already dealing with several of his players in sickbay. One returning player who has yet to play this NBA season is Trevor Ariza.

In an update, the 36-year-old player remains unavailable according to Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register.

Ariza has been out since October 6 due to a right ankle injury. The one-time NBA champion is set to be re-assessed by team doctors once he gets to his eighth week, Mike Trudell of Lakers.com reported.

“It’s all on when the doctors clear or the way my body feels and responds to more loading, more work. That’s kind of the gauge on when I’ll be able to be out there safely,” Ariza stated in the report.