Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw in front of LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 during a 114-101 LA Clippers win at Crypto.com Arena on November 09, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2022 NBAE. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was diagnosed with a strained left adductor, coach Darvin Ham told reporters on Thursday.
James is doubtful to play in Friday’s home game against the Sacramento Kings.
James sustained the groin injury midway through the final quarter of Wednesday’s 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Ham was encouraged that the MRI exam didn’t detect a more serious injury.
“It’s not torn, that’s the biggest thing, that he didn’t tear anything,” Ham said. “So it was good news. You know, I’m sure it’s painful. Doubtful, day-to-day, whatever — I’m just happy there wasn’t anything torn.”
James dealt with a significant groin injury during the 2018-19 campaign when he was limited to 55 games.
And he knew something was wrong immediately on Wednesday night.
“I didn’t do anything extraneous on the play,” James said. “Just when I landed, I felt a little spasm or strain in my groin. So immediately I had to come out after that on the next play down when I went to the free-throw line.”
James is averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 10 games this season. He had 30 points in 32 minutes against the Clippers before exiting.
The Lakers (2-9) are tied with the Houston Rockets for the fewest wins in the NBA.