NBA Rumors: LeBron Could Be Out Longer; Lakers Coach Not Fretting ‘Long Absence’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James remains indefinitely out due to a high right ankle sprain he sustained recently.

It appears he will miss a couple of games more and may not be seen on the basketball court until May.

When asked about his status, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel confirmed that the 36-year-old hasn't received his medical clearance to suit up again.

Rather than sulk, the sideline shot-caller maintained that his main focus is to make sure that the available players are ready to do battle each night, USA Today reported.

“I really don’t have anything to add to where he’s at other than he’s out indefinitely,” Vogel stated. “We’re proceeding right now. My whole focus is the guys we have in uniform and the Philadelphia 76ers. We’re not really going to give updates as to where he’s at with the recovery.”

There is a chance that James could return by the middle of April. But this means that the four-time NBA champion would be missing an additional 15 games.

Should he return by that time, however, James can still play nine regular-season games in May before the NBA playoffs. The NBA postseason wars start on May 22.

Vogel claimed that the Lakers had already prepared to play games without the four-time NBA MVP in what can be viewed as a plot to give James some time to rest before the NBA playoffs come around.

However, that long-term absence did not include seeing their top star going down to injury–something that raises questions on his performance once he does return.

Before his injury, James mentioned to reporters that he has no plans to rest. He added that he is ready to go and play to help out his teammates, ESPN reported.

But aside from that, the fact that fellow star Anthony Davis is also out could be another reason. Hence, it comes as no surprise why most had new views on the Lakers’ chances of winning another NBA title.

With James out, the responsibility of keeping the Lakers’ campaign falls on the healthy players. That list includes Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

It will not be easy, but these players just need to play their best and hope that James and Anthony are well enough to return to action soon.