Originally published by LakersNation.com
The Los Angeles Lakers saw their four-game win streak snapped against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday afternoon, but the big story coming out of the contest was the health of superstar LeBron James.
In the second quarter, James suffered a right ankle injury while fighting for a loose ball.
The Hawks’ Solomon Hill dove for a ball that was on the ground and in the process rolled over James’ foot, causing him to fall to the ground in pain. As opposed to the more common sprain seen in basketball, James’ foot actually bent inwards which was even more of a cause for concern.
James would attempt to play through the injury, staying in after a timeout and hitting a 3-pointer, but he would soon check himself out and did not return to the game. After the contest, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James is set to have an MRI on the ankle:
LeBron James is receiving a MRI on his right ankle, sources tell ESPN.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 20, 2021
That was the only update provided as Lakers head coach Frank Vogel had no additional info on the severity of LeBron’s injury. “He’s got an ankle injury and that’s all the information I have at this time,” Vogel said after the loss.
Luckily, it appears James at least avoided a fracture as X-rays came back negative, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
X-rays negative on LeBron James’ right ankle, source tells ESPN. MRI results still pending.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 20, 2021
Unfortunately, this is the latest in a string of Lakers injuries to befell the team this season. Anthony Davis is still recovering from his calf and Achilles issues and starting center Marc Gasol has missed the last few games due to being in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. At least in the case of Gasol, he has been cleared to return and will likely be back in the lineup soon. Additionally, veteran Jared Dudley suffered a torn MCL and is likely out for the season.
With both superstars potentially out for some time, a lot of pressure will turn to the rest of the Lakers and Vogel as well. Just as the team seemed to be hitting their stride, another injury threatens to derail what the team hopes to accomplish this season.
Vogel emphasizes need for team basketball amidst injuries
The Lakers did make a number of moves in order to improve their depth this season and now that will be seriously tested. Vogel didn’t shy away from the difficulties the team is facing. “It’s certainly going to be a challenge any time you are undermanned, but if you play team-first basketball and you defend at a high level, you have a chance to win. That’ll be our mindset,” the coach noted after the loss to the Hawks.
The focus will be on the likes of Dennis Schroder, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Talen Horton-Tucker to really help carry the Lakers’ offense. No one player will be able to replace the losses the Lakers are suffering so they will need a collective effort to make it through this.
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The Los Angeles Lakers saw their four-game win streak snapped against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday afternoon, but the big story coming out of the contest was the health of superstar LeBron James.
In the second quarter, James suffered a right ankle injury while fighting for a loose ball.
The Hawks’ Solomon Hill dove for a ball that was on the ground and in the process rolled over James’ foot, causing him to fall to the ground in pain. As opposed to the more common sprain seen in basketball, James’ foot actually bent inwards which was even more of a cause for concern.
James would attempt to play through the injury, staying in after a timeout and hitting a 3-pointer, but he would soon check himself out and did not return to the game. After the contest, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James is set to have an MRI on the ankle:
LeBron James is receiving a MRI on his right ankle, sources tell ESPN.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 20, 2021
That was the only update provided as Lakers head coach Frank Vogel had no additional info on the severity of LeBron’s injury. “He’s got an ankle injury and that’s all the information I have at this time,” Vogel said after the loss.
Luckily, it appears James at least avoided a fracture as X-rays came back negative, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
X-rays negative on LeBron James’ right ankle, source tells ESPN. MRI results still pending.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 20, 2021
Unfortunately, this is the latest in a string of Lakers injuries to befell the team this season. Anthony Davis is still recovering from his calf and Achilles issues and starting center Marc Gasol has missed the last few games due to being in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. At least in the case of Gasol, he has been cleared to return and will likely be back in the lineup soon. Additionally, veteran Jared Dudley suffered a torn MCL and is likely out for the season.
With both superstars potentially out for some time, a lot of pressure will turn to the rest of the Lakers and Vogel as well. Just as the team seemed to be hitting their stride, another injury threatens to derail what the team hopes to accomplish this season.
Vogel emphasizes need for team basketball amidst injuries
The Lakers did make a number of moves in order to improve their depth this season and now that will be seriously tested. Vogel didn’t shy away from the difficulties the team is facing. “It’s certainly going to be a challenge any time you are undermanned, but if you play team-first basketball and you defend at a high level, you have a chance to win. That’ll be our mindset,” the coach noted after the loss to the Hawks.
The focus will be on the likes of Dennis Schroder, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Talen Horton-Tucker to really help carry the Lakers’ offense. No one player will be able to replace the losses the Lakers are suffering so they will need a collective effort to make it through this.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
