NBA Rumors: LeBron James Could Sit Out Rest Of The Season

LeBron James is back in harness, and things could be looking good for the Los Angeles Lakers from here on out. However, there is now growing concerns about his overall health and such could force the Lakers to make a drastic decision.

According to The Athletic, the Lakers are privately a little concerned on the heath and intensity of LeBron James. A lot has to do with the groin injury he sustained last December as questions on his recovery loom in the air.

Apparently, the Lakers are taking note of James’ intensity. Back in harness, he is obviously not at 100 percent. Hence, Los Angeles may end up being left with a choice of either resting James or gambling on his injury to hopefully catch the last bus to the NBA postseason wars.

But if James is to be asked, he seems bent on making the playoffs this 2018-19 NBA season. The Lakers star spoke to the Los Angeles Times, seemingly determined to play and push the purple and gold back to the NBA playoffs again. The last time the Lakers made the playoffs was back during the 2013-14 NBA season. The Lakers booked the 7th slot at the time but lost to the San Antonio Spurs via sweep.

"Looking forward to seeing what we can do to get back in this playoff race. That's my only mindset. That's the only thing that's going to happen in my mental space for these next two months, pretty much on how I can get this team playing the type of level of basketball we were playing before my injury," James told Tania Ganguli.

So it may all boil down to whether the Lakers play James or save him for the next season. The last thing that Los Angeles wants is to see James aggravate the injury. To be sure, it may be best to have James checked again and have himself evaluated to see if he is truly good to go.

It will be a tough decision for the Lakers. Without James, the team went 6-11 from Dec. 27 to Jan. 29 – the stretch where LeBron was forced to sit out after that groin injury against the Golden State Warriors. Looking ahead, the purple and gold face a tough schedule as they start their journey for an NBA playoff spot.

It all depends on the true state of James. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka need to ensure that their superstar is ready to grind as the NBA shifts to high gear.