Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Lakers Injury Update: LeBron James ‘Getting Close’ But Will Miss Game Against Rockets
FeaturedLakers News

Lakers Injury Update: LeBron James ‘Getting Close’ But Will Miss Game Against Rockets

Daniel Starkand
Published: 05/12/2021
4 Min Read
Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

With only three regular-season games remaining, the hope was that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James would be able to return to action for Wednesday night’s contest against the Houston Rockets.

James was originally reportedly set to return for Tuesday night’s game against the New York Knicks but was then ruled out in order to give his ankle an extra day of rest.

While it was reported that he would likely return for the Rockets game, Frank Vogel remained noncommittal about that, saying they will take things one day at a time and see how he’s feeling on Wednesday.

It appears the ankle is still sore as James announced that he will sit out the Rockets game, although he is inching closer towards a return:

Getting close but I won’t be in the lineup tonight but more importantly I will be there to put that CHAMPIONSHIP banner in the rafters at Staples Center in front of our fans!! #No17 ????????

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 12, 2021

After the Rockets game, the Lakers will have two off days in a row, which will give James some extra time to continue to rest the ankle.

The Lakers will only have two regular-season games left after that though and it’s a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday against the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans, respectively. It’s hard to envision James playing in both of those games, so it’s possible that he goes into the postseason having only one game under his belt.

That makes things awfully difficult on the Lakers, who have struggled to build continuity this season due to so many players consistently being in and out of the lineup due to injuries. If there’s anyone you trust to not need that continuity though, it’s James, who can slide into any lineup and immediately be a positive influence if healthy.

According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo, James is expecting to play in Saturday’s game:

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James scheduled to make his return Saturday versus the Indiana Pacers. https://t.co/qgaeUgSB31

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 12, 2021

Until that gets confirmed by James and/or the Lakers though, it’s hard to say how accurate it is considering reports came out that he would be returning for both the Knicks and Rockets games, neither of which came to fruition.

Vogel hopeful Schroder will return before end of regular season

One other key player the Lakers have been missing lately is Dennis Schroder, who has been out due to the league’s health and safety protocols.

Similar to James, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel is hopeful that Schroder will be able to return before the end of the regular season.

“He’s still engaged in what we’re doing,” Vogel said before Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. “We’re really still hopeful that he can return for the final two games or one of those final two games to get a little bit of run before we enter playoff play. He’s limited obviously with what he can do from a conditioning standpoint. We’re just trying to make the best of it.”

Considering James and Schroder are the Lakers’ two primary ballhandlers, any and all minutes they can log on the court before games matter in the postseason will be a huge positive.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:LeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as the managing editor for LakersNation.com, Daniel also serves as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?