The Los Angeles Lakers will be without star striker LeBron James for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks due to a left knee injury.
Before that contest, head coach Frank Vogel also mentioned that James could miss time after Sunday’s game.
Here’s everything we know about trauma.
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What is LeBron James’ injury?
Before Sunday’s game against the Hawks, James received an MRI of his left knee which showed “general swelling,” according to Vogel. James will miss the third game in a row due to a pain in his left knee.
How long will LeBron James be out?
Vogel said that James returned to Los Angeles early to have his knee treated. He added that “as long as there’s swelling, he’s out.”
Frank Vogel says LeBron James has returned to LA to begin treatment for his left knee. “As long as there’s a bump, he’s going to have to come out,” Vogel said.
– Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 30, 2022
While that doesn’t give a specific timeline, you can expect the Lakers to be cautious about the return of their veteran leader.
At 19 years old, at 37, James is having his highest average minutes per game (36.6) since the 2017-18 season in Cleveland, where he led the NBA in minutes played. He’s fourth in the NBA in minutes per game this season. He is having one of the most dominant offensive seasons of his career, averaging 29.1 points per game, good for his highest scoring average since the 2009-10 season when he is 25 years old.
The Lakers haven’t exactly reaped the benefits of James’ extraordinary season, sitting 24-26 at press time, holding the ninth seed in the Western Conference.
LeBron James’ injury history this season
James has missed a total of 15 games (including Sunday’s game against the Hawks) and is currently due to injury or illness this season.
The Lakers are 5-9 in those 14 games without their superstar up front. Below, you can find LeBron’s full injury history from this season.
| Injury / reason for absence | Time frame | Missed game |
| Right ankle pain | October 26-27 | 2 |
| Abdominal tension | November 4-17 | 8 |
| Suspensions | November 23 | first |
| Health and safety protocols | November 30 | first |
| Left knee pain | January 27 to present | 3 |
Lakers’ upcoming fixtures
| Day | Protest | Time (ET) | National Television |
| January 30th | at Hawks | 1:00 pm | – |
| February 2 | vs. Trail Blazers | 10 pm | – |
| February 3 | at Clippers | 10 pm | TNT |
| February 5 | vs, Knicks | 8.30pm | ABC |
| February 8 | compared to bucks | 10 pm | TNT |
| February 9 | at Trail Blazers | 10 pm | – |
