Lakers to Play Suns Without LeBron James

Tristan Simpson April 05, 2022 Los Angeles Lakers

The window for a Los Angeles Lakers playoff berth is quickly closing. With only four contests remaining in the regular season every game is pivotal. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the team will have to play the Phoenix Suns tonight without their star forward LeBron James.

Lakers say LeBron James (left ankle sprain) is out for tonight’s game at Phoenix.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) April 5, 2022

Currently sitting two games behind the San Antonio Spurs for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament, LA will need to find a way to keep their playoffs hopes alive by beating the NBA's top team without the leagues leading scorer in James.

James has been dealing with a left ankle injury. The four-time most valuable player has missed two games last week including Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers kept the game close but ultimately lost in part from a 38 point and 18 rebound performance by Nikola Jokic.

The Lakers need to win at least three out of their next four games to keep their playoff hopes alive. James has put up MVP-caliber numbers in 56 games this season, averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Unfortunately, his individual success has not produced wins for Los Angeles.

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