Amid Anthony Davis requesting a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, triggering plenty of speculation, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers returned to practice fresh off snapping a three-game losing streak.
As James recently participated in full-contact defensive drills for the first time since his groin strain, he took another positive step in the rehab process.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton shared James participated in contact portions of practice that included three-minute full-court scrimmages. While Walton was optimistic about James’ recovery so far, the Lakers aren’t yet setting a return date.
“He’s not driving the lane and tomahawk dunking on people right now, but he’s moving well,” Walton said after practice. “He’s getting to the paint and shooting jumpers and all those type of things.”
With James potentially returning against the Clippers to begin a six-game road trip, Walton assumes there will be a minutes restriction.
“We haven’t gotten that far yet. My guess is there’d be minutes restriction, but that’s the medical staff and doctors that will determine all that,” Walton said.
As the Lakers take James’ injury day by day, Kyle Kuzma (hip strain) and Josh Hart (knee tendinitis) did not practice. Walton is hopeful both will be able to play against the 76ers, but will have more details closer to game-time.
Hart asked to come out during the second half of Sunday’s win against the Phoenix Suns because of the knee trouble.
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