LeBron James has missed five games with a groin strain, but the Lakers have held their head above water — 3-2 — thanks to Anthony Davis playing his best basketball of the season.
But LeBron will return Friday when the Lakers visit the Spurs in San Antonio, reports Chris Haynes of TNT.
My @NBAonTNT in-game report on when Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (groin) intends to make his return to action. pic.twitter.com/Ne9wjF9MQG
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 23, 2022
That’s a good, soft landing spot for LeBron, the Spurs have dropped 10-of-11. It’s a game the Lakers should win without heavy minutes from LeBron, who is averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game this season.
It’s unlikely Patrick Beverley will play in the game for the Lakers. While nothing official has come down from the league yet, Beverley is expected to be suspended at least one game for the cheap shot to the back of Deandre Ayton. (Why Ayton was standing over Austin Reaves when Devin Booker blocked Reaves’ shot is another question entirely, but you still can’t flatten him from behind.)
Davis is playing his best basketball of the season, with four straight games of 30+ points and 15+ rebounds, plus he’s been a force on the defensive end. This is the Davis that coach Darvin Ham has been counting on.