LeBron James takes part in shoot-around on eve of next medical evaluation
FILE -In this Dec. 25, 2018, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after straining his left groin during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif. The Lakers say James likely will miss at least three more games after being cleared to increase his on-court activity in his comeback from the groin injury. James was evaluated by the Lakers’ medical staff Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James took part in the team’s shoot-around on Tuesday, a day before he was due for another evaluation of the groin injury that has sidelined him since Christmas.
“He didn’t do the up-and-down stuff,” Lakers coach Luke Walton said. “He did the half-court shooting and passing.”
James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, was to miss his 11th game when the Lakers hosted the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.
Since he limped out of a 127-101 victory over the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, the Lakers have lost seven of their 10 games.
Walton said a decision would be taken on Wednesday as to whether James will travel with the team for a two-game trip to Oklahoma City on Thursday and Houston on Saturday.
“It won’t be decided until once we see what the report is,” he said.
Walton said he couldn’t give specifics of James’s recent workouts, but said he continues to play a key role with the team even as he’s sidelined.
“He does a lot of that when we’re not here,” Walton said. “I don’t know the amount of running he’s doing. I just know he seems to be in good spirits. He’s got another test tomorrow to get some more information on it.
“He’s the leader of this team,” Walton added. “When he’s around talking to guys, it helps.”
Rajon Rondo, who has been sidelined after surgery to repair a finger injury on his right hand suffered on Christmas Day, also took part in shooting drills on Tuesday.
“It felt good to see those two on the court,” Walton said.
