A significant report emerged on Thursday. The report suggested that we could see Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James return soon. In the final week of the NBA regular season, specifically. However, that may not be the case after LeBron took to social media to clarify the situation.
James has not taken the court for the Lakers since February 26th against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a right foot injury. The Lakers are sitting just ahead of the Utah Jazz for the 10th seed in the Western Conference, the final seed to make the NBA play-in tournament. This makes LeBron’s return essential to ensure that they make the postseason.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that there “is optimism” that James could return in the final week of the regular season.
There’s an increasing optimism that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James could return to play “a few” games in the final week of the regular season, sources tell ESPN. James has been out since suffering a right foot tendon injury on February 26. https://t.co/3lYNX6MA2Z
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 23, 2023
However, James refuted these reports in a Twitter post, saying that there was no evaluation done on Thursday and that there is still no target date for his return.
“There wasn’t an evaluation today and there hasn’t been any target date for my return,” James tweeted. “I’m just working around the clock, every day (3x a day) to give myself the best chance of coming back full strength whenever that is. God bless y’all sources. I speak for myself!”
There wasn’t an evaluation today and there hasn’t been any target date for my return. I’m just working around the clock, every day(3X a day) to give myself to best chance of coming back full strength whenever that is. God bless y’all sources. 🤦🏾♂️ I speak for myself!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 23, 2023
Many took notice of LeBron’s message and are disappointed that there is indeed no target date at this point for his return.
😂😂 Bron coming back tomorrow he said F y’all sources https://t.co/LvVy8eB0PW
— Ernest Booker✊🏾 (@E_Book88) March 23, 2023
Insiders 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🚁🚁🚁 https://t.co/HTf4yNt9Xp
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) March 23, 2023
Can't wait to see you back on the court, GOAT. Do what you need to do. https://t.co/mc3VfTJiBv
— BETTY, A LIBERATED WOMAN ✊🏼💁🏽♀️ (@LegalSojourner) March 23, 2023
He putting the rumors to rest. https://t.co/OenxHQuorh
— Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) March 23, 2023
Straight from the man himself: https://t.co/OFz8UzjFI5
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 23, 2023
It is clear that the Lakers desperately need LeBron James back for a potential postseason run, and even to make sure they get into the postseason altogether. That being said, it is also important for LeBron to manage his body correctly at 38 years old.
