Will The Chosen One’s ankle cooperate tonight?
Los Angeles Lakers All-Star power forward LeBron James has missed LA’s past two straight contests due to a sore left ankle that apparently has been bugging him for weeks, if not longer. If recent reports are to be believed, the possibility exists that they may persist for the rest of the season.
Per Marc Stein, James is merely questionable to suit up tonight against All-Star point guard Damian Lillard and the rest of the Portland Trail Blazers. Missing James and his 30 points per game would be a significant blow for LA, in what could be a very winnable game for a 26-31 team that needs every W it can get in a crowded West.
LA’s second-best player, oft-injured center Anthony Davis, is still recuperating from a right foot stress injury that kept him sidelined for five-and-a-half weeks, and has been listed as probable to play.
Reserve 3-and-D big man Mo Bamba (a.k.a. Budget Myles Turner), a trade deadline day arrival out of Orlando, remains suspended tonight, but will finally be available for his Lakers debut on Monday. Two-way rookies Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cole Swider will be with the club’s NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
Per a recent NBA injury report, several Blazers will be sidelined. Starting center Jusuf Nurkic remains out with a left calf strain and starting power forward Jerami Grant is questionable as he currently remains in the league’s concussion protocols. Oft-injured forward Justise Winslow is.. injured. Ibou Badji has been ruled out with a sore left knee. Keon Johnson and Trendon Watford, both dealing with right ankle sprains, are probable to play.
