The Los Angeles Lakers were without LeBron James in their first game of the season against the Golden State Warriors. Lakers coach JJ Redick opened up about not having James on opening night at Crypto.com Arena.
“King James” was on the bench, supporting the team as he recovers from sciatica. Redick told reporters after their 119-109 loss how he realized that it would have been easier to have the 40-year-old star on the floor at one point during the game.
“It’s hard to forget about LeBron. The reality is when you’re focused on the group that you have, you got to make that group work… To be honest with you, I did have one moment in that first half when we had a few possessions, we couldn’t score against the zone, it’d be great to have LeBron just to throw it to in the high post,” Redick said.
James could have helped the Lakers win if he were healthy. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves weren’t enough to prevent the Warriors from getting the victory. Doncic had 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, while Reaves finished with 26 points, five rebounds and nine assists.
The Lakers won’t have “King James” for the rest of the month, possibly until the middle of November, as per ESPN’s Shams Charania. In addition to his recovery from sciatica, the four-time MVP also has to get his body and conditioning back. He was unable to do his typical offseason routine because of the nerve injury.
Draymond Green Trolls LeBron James
Despite their history in the NBA Finals, Draymond Green and LeBron James became real-life friends. Green was happy to troll James after the Warriors’ win over the Lakers on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Speaking at the postgame presser, Green was asked about playing the Lakers without James on the court. The former Defensive Player of the Year has jokes for his friend who was sitting good on the sidelines.
“LeBron’s old ass was over there in his Phil Jackson chair. It’s always different when he’s not out there. Obviously, we’ve had battles with Luka (Doncic) as well. He’s an incredible player, but ‘Bron is ‘Bron. The battles we’ve had over the years, you’re looking forward to it,” Green said.
James and Green have plenty of time to catch up later this season. The Warriors and Lakers are set for three more games against each other on February 7 and 28 and on April 9.
No Change in LeBron’s Return Timeline
A few hours before the Lakers-Warriors game, ESPN’s Shams Charania shared an update on LeBron James’ recovery on NBA Today. Charania hasn’t heard any new information about how healthy James is now compared to last week, but the NBA insider is sure that franchise is being cautious.
“My understanding is LeBron James is doing some more on-court individual work. Sources continue to affirm to me repeatedly that he’s going to take a very patient approach with this injury. This nerve issue that he’s been dealing with for a few months now,” Charania said.
If James’ timeline is right, he could return on November 15 against the Milwaukee Bucks. He would have missed 13 games at that point, unless he makes a faster recovery in the coming weeks.
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