AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron
James has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s matchup with the Boston Celtics as he looks to return from an abdominal strain, per Bill Oram of The Athletic.
James, a four-time NBA MVP, has been
hampered by injuries during the early stages of the 2021-22 campaign.
He’s missed time with both a sprained ankle and an abdominal strain
after being limited to 45 appearances last season because of groin
and ankle injuries.
The 36-year-old forward has been his
typically productive self when healthy, averaging 24.8 points, 7.0
assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals across six appearances this
season.
L.A. has posted a 4-5 record in games
he’s missed so far in 2021-22.
Carmelo Anthony typically receives the
biggest uptick in playing time when James is sidelined, especially
when the Lakers are leaning on small-ball looks. Kent Bazemore, Wayne
Ellington and Malik Monk are options for more minutes on the wing in
traditional lineups if James is unable to play on Friday.
The Lakers have the talent to contend
for another NBA championship if all of their key pieces are healthy
come playoff time. Injuries derailed their title defense last year,
however, and it’s possible that could happen again if James can’t put
his recent injury woes behind him.
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