Lakers star LeBron James cleared to return vs Kings

May 1, 2021 9:52 AM PHT

Reuters

SUMMARY

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Lakers star LeBron James cleared to return vs Kings

CRUCIAL. Minus LeBron James, the Lakers have lost 12 of 20 games.

Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

‘I would expect some rust,’ says Lakers coach Frank Vogel as LeBron James returns from the longest injury absence of his 18-season NBA career

Lakers star LeBron James will return to the court Friday night, April 30 (Saturday, May 1, Manila time) against the visiting Sacramento Kings and will not be under any hard minutes restrictions, according to Los Angeles coach Frank Vogel.

James, 36, had been sidelined since March 20 with a high right ankle sprain, and the 20 games he missed represents the longest injury absence of his 18-season NBA career.

“I would expect some rust, but that is the theme of this season with some guys having to return and work their way into shape during games,” Vogel said before Friday’s game.

The Lakers (36-26) had lost four of their past five games entering play Friday and were just 8-12 since the four-time league MVP injured his ankle. Los Angeles has slipped to fifth place in the Western Conference.

James was averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists in 41 games this season before Friday. – Rappler.com