On Friday, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James returned to action against the San Antonio Spurs after missing several games with a groin injury, and now the four-time MVP believes he will play in his second back-to-back contest on Saturday.
“There is a good chance he will play tomorrow. I’ve only been out two weeks … I’m good,” James said after the Lakers beat the Spurs 105-94 at the AT&T Center. It was Los Angeles’ first road win of the season.
On several NBA betting sites, LeBron James has the 21st-ranked odds to win the MVP in 2023. Unless Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum miss time with injuries, sportsbooks continue to show low odds.
LeBron James says he’ll play the second game of a back-to-back Saturday in San Antonio: “There’s a good chance he’ll play tomorrow.” I’ve been sitting for two weeks… I’m fine.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 26, 2022
“It felt good to go out on the court with my guys and make some plays and help them win,” LeBron James added.
Although the four-time NBA champion ended his career with a season-high nine turnovers, James still played well on offense and defense. It was a solid outing considering the Lakers star missed the last five games.
Lakers star LeBron James will play the second round rematch with the Spurs on Saturday
He finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block in 34 minutes. Additionally, he shot 8-of-27 (47.1%) from the field and 1-of-4 (25%) from beyond the arc.
“It changed the whole dynamic of the game,” Lakers guard Lonnie Walker IV said of James’ return. “When you have one person who’s going to shut down night in and night out, it’s going to make the other person comfortable. He’s really taken it to another level.”
This duo.@AntDavis23: 25 points, 15 rebs, 4 ast, 3 blk@King James: 21 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast. pic.twitter.com/9kQcA5h1GZ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 26, 2022
In 11 starts this season, LeBron James is averaging 24.5 points, 8.7 boards, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. But, in terms of shooting, the 18-time All-Star is posting career-low numbers.
While he’s by no means the best three-point shooter in the league, Lakers forwards can hit at least 30% of his shots with the team in previous seasons. But the 20-year veteran is shooting just 24% from downtown this season.
Not to mention, James is shooting 45.8% from the floor, his lowest since his rookie season (41.7%). His true shooting percentage (52.1%) and player efficiency rating (19.4) are his lowest since his first NBA season.
The Lakers star is no longer listed on the injury report, apparently.
