The NBA world resumes business as usual on Wednesday following the week-long break for All-Star festivities over the past several days. There’s only one game on the schedule, with the Los Angeles Lakers set to host the Charlotte Hornets at 10 p.m. EST.
The Lakers’ injury report currently lists superstar LeBron James as questionable due to an ankle injury.
The 40-year-old legend has been managing the issue for much of the season, and according to James himself, ankle and foot soreness are what led to his decision not to suit up for the All-Star Game last Sunday.
Just a bit past the campaign’s midpoint, James’ per-game averages sit at 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists across 48 contests. He’s also shooting 51.6% from the field and 39.5% from three, the latter of which is the third-highest mark of his career.
James has suited up with a questionable tag more often than not this season, but if he doesn’t play, his absence could lead to a potential statement outing for recently-acquired Laker Luka Doncic. According to head coach JJ Redick, Doncic is not expected to play on a minutes restriction moving forward. If he receives a full workload, the Slovenian point guard should be positioned for a stat line more closely resembling his typical MVP-caliber production than he logged over his first two limited appearances for the Lakers.
With or without LeBron, the Lakers shouldn’t have too much difficulty dispatching the Hornets, who are 13-39 on the campaign and 14th in a weak Eastern Conference. There’s added drama to this matchup, as well — Mark Williams, who the Lakers tried to acquire via trade before the deal was rescinded due to a failed physical, is listed probable to play for Charlotte.
Los Angeles sits fifth in the Western Conference with a 32-20 record, just half a game behind the fourth-place Houston Rockets.
