LeBron James drops major hint about post-retirement plans
James didn’t feature for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Denver Nuggets but still had an important role to play for JJ Redick’s team.
LeBron James hasn’t played for the Los Angeles Lakers since March 8 after aggravating a groin injury in the defeat to the Boston Celtics. That was the first of four successive losses for JJ Redick’s team, who have nevertheless bounced back impressively in the continued absence of “The King”.
Wednesday’s win over the Denver Nuggets was the Lakers’ third in a row, with Luka Doncic (31 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists) and Austin Reaves (22 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists) inspiring the team to victory on the court. But LeBron also played a very important, and very visible, role in the triumph, despite not suiting up.
LeBron’s role in Lakers win over Nuggets
James, wearing a Columbus Blue Jackets Stadium Series jersey and combat pants, cut an animated figure on the touchline as he helped Redick out with coaching duties. Although clips of the 40-year-old giving instructions to his team didn’t pick up any intelligible audio, his hand gestures certainly helped him look the part (and we have to assume he knows what he’s talking about, given his career).
Will LeBron James coach in the NBA?
Could LeBron James coach in the NBA in the future? The four-time MVP is coming towards the end of the first year of a two-year contract extension he signed with the Lakers last July. The deal includes a player option for the 2025/26 season, which means he could call it quits in the summer, although it appears unlikely given his performances this season.
In November, the veteran star claimed he’s “not going to play much longer,” which wasn’t especially revelatory considering his age. However, he previously stated, in 2017, that he felt he didn’t have the patience required to become a coach.
That was eight years ago, though, and a lot can change in eight years.
LeBron James injury update: Lakers return timeline revealed
James suffered a groin injury against the Boston Celtics on March 8. Will he play against the Denver Nuggets?
After losing four successive games, the Los Angeles Lakers have now strung together back-to-back victories (107-96 against the Phoenix Suns and 125-109 against the San Antonio Spurs). JJ Redick now has Luka Doncic back at his disposal, but fellow superstar LeBron James is still out. On Wednesday, March 19, the Californians face a tough opponent, the Denver Nuggets, at Crypto Arena.
Will LeBron James play for the Lakers against the Nuggets?
“The King” aggravated a groin injury during the game against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, March 8. He underwent various physical tests to assess the severity and monitor his progress in the following days.
Initially, it was estimated that James would be out for one to two weeks and would return in time for the playoffs, which begin in mid-April. He is certain to be absent against the Nuggets.
When will LeBron be back for the Lakers?
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, LeBron, who did his first on-court workout on Sunday, will be out at least until next week, with March 24 being the potential date for his return when the Lakers visit the Orlando Magic. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura, who had left patellar tendinopathy, is expected to return this week.
James is currently averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, with a 51.7% field goal percentage and 38.4% from three-point range. The 40-year-old’s performances have helped the Lakers remain competitive in the top spots of the Western Conference, in which they have moved back up into fourth place.
