Shams Report: LeBron James Possible Return Timeline

It's a brutal break for the Los Angeles Lakers, whose playoff hopes hang in the balance. LeBron James' foot injury will be the subject of all sorts of speculation going forward, and today, NBA Insider Shams Charania reports that it will keep him out "at least two or three weeks."

“LeBron James is expected to miss an indefinite amount of time… I’m told likely at least 2 or 3 weeks” @ShamsCharania with the latest on LeBron’s foot injury 🤕#RunItBack pic.twitter.com/nk2BpXx0Cd
— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) February 28, 2023

“LeBron James is expected to miss an indefinite amount of time. It will be an extended period of time, I’m told likely at least 2 or 3 weeks." It is, however, expected to extend beyond that, and a lot of it depends on where the Lakers stand in regards to the playoff race.

He added that after the two or three week reassessment, if there hasn't been a flareup of the injury, and it tones down, he can try to make a return before the playoffs.

Charania also insinuated that it's possible this could have been avoided if they had heeded a foot problem LeBron suffered last month.

"The interesting part here is I'm told he originally hurt that right foot in January, and he was faced with a decision at that point in time whether to shut it down for an amount of time or to keep playing on it... He decided to keep playing on it... and this injury comes at an inopportune, a devastating time. There's 21 games left in the Lakers season."

The team is just 2.5 games back of 6th place, and now, if they're planning on nabbing a playoff spot, as Shams noted, a lot of pressure will be on Anthony Davis.

Once seemingly-invincible, LeBron's injury woes have been building in recent years.

LeBron James' no. of missed games in his career:

First 15 seasons: 71
Last 5 seasons: 98 (and counting)

The King is human after all 👀#NBA #Lakers #LeBronJames pic.twitter.com/H7eyoiAGSb
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) February 28, 2023