Just when the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be turning things around, injuries keep coming.
Both LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) and Christian Wood (left knee effusion) are listed as doubtful for the Lakers’ road game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, February 22.
Two of the NBA’s hottest teams going into the All-Star break, the Lakers (30-26) and the Warriors (27-26), are separated in the standings by just 1.5 games.
James had previously expressed uncertainty about his status during Indianapolis’ All-Star Week. It was unlucky for him to miss practice on Wednesday, February 21.
The 39-year-old James still intends to play for the Lakers in San Francisco, despite missing the team’s final game prior to the All-Star game and playing just a few minutes for the West on Sunday.
James told reporters on Sunday, February 18, “I’m seeking some more treatment [Monday, February 19] going into this week, because we have quite a few days this week as well.” “We don’t start playing until the week is over. Watch the outcome of that. However, given where I am at and where our team is at, my health is the most important thing to me. We’re on the correct track.
Wood’s injury is more worrisome than James’, who is not anticipated to miss any significant time.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the team announced he will miss about two weeks due to swelling in his left knee.
Outlook for Christian Wood’s Injuries
Regarding Wood’s injury, two of the most well-known sports injury analysts on NBA space on X, formerly Twitter, offered their opinions.
“Knee swelling indicates an injury or irritation inside the joint; it is not a diagnosis. Particularly, a “effusion” is a fluid-filled joint. Very likely that buildup is the result of a meniscal or cartilage tear,” Dr. Brian Sutterer, an expert on NBA injuries on YouTube, wrote on X.
However, the owner of Evolving Motion Physical Therapy, Dr. Evan Jeffries, expressed concern that the swelling in the joint could be related to Wood’s meniscus.
In addition to Jarred Vanderbilt’s (right midfoot sprain) absence, Wood’s absence severely damaged the Lakers frontcourt.
Christian Wood, Anthony Davis, and Rui Hachimura are under pressure due to the growing number of injuries.
LeBron James Talks About His Interest in a Warriors Trade
James would have been playing his first matchup with the Warriors since their attempt to sign him during the trade deadline.
James stated that until ESPN broke the story, he was not aware of the Lakers-Warriors trade negotiations.
Before the 2024 NBA All-Star Game on February 18, James stated on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” broadcast, “It [the trade talks] didn’t go far at all.” “I became aware of it at the same time as everyone else.”
“Clearly, as you are aware, Shaq, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley have all played in professional basketball. Additionally, occasionally talks take place behind closed doors that you aren’t even aware of until they, I suppose, decide whether or not to reveal them to you. However, I was not even affected by it, so I was also informed when the reports were released.
The negotiations ultimately failed togo beyond the exploratory phase, as James’ agent Rich Paul, according to
