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Lakers Injury Update: Is LeBron James Playing Tonight vs Rockets?

Published 11/19/2023, 9:52 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a stunning win against the Blazers. Seeing LeBron James back on the court did wonders for the team and fans. But his presence is not without worries. Playing yet another 35 minutes goes against the initial plans for the veteran. The Rockets, on the other hand, had their six-game winning streak broken by a beaten-down Clippers yesterday.

Harden and the team were thrilled beyond words, but Houston fell mightily. The Rockets vs Lakers matchup is even more interesting given the Brooks-James war of wills. Will LeBron answer Dillon’s challenge tonight?

Will his calf cause LeBron James to miss Lakers vs Rockets game?

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Their most prized asset, King James, was supposed to play minimal minutes going into this season. But Ham was forced to get their veteran champion on the floor for many reasons. Though LeBron’s calf contusion was not necessarily anybody’s fault, it did cause LA to be more cautious with him. After yesterday’s brilliant performance, it will not come as a surprise if the ‘Chosen One’ sits out this one.

 

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King James’ injuries are nothing out of the ordinary. For a two-way player who plays at the most elite of levels like the ‘Akron Hammer’, the injuries he sustained are also of the same nature. Since the start of this year, though, his leg seems to be absorbing the most trauma.

From ankle to hamstring to foot and finally the calf, James’ leg has been in bad shape. That is not to say it has affected his explosive athleticism by any means. Just two weeks before, the ‘L Train’ had casually slammed a powerful dunk from Reaves’ lob against the Clippers.

But, the man is in his 21st year in the NBA and 38 years old. Even though he spends a lot of time working out and training his body to move the way he wants, the injuries he sustained over the years will eventually take a toll on the legend. Yet another reason for the purple and gold to regroup and focus.

Can Los Angeles survive another Rockets attack?

If LeBron James does get sidelined, given that he is mentioned as questionable as opposed to Davis, who is probable, the Rockets might just clinch another win. With Cam Reddish and Rui Hachimura on the floor, the Lakers are getting into a rhythm of their own. But as mentioned earlier, Davis’ presence on the court could turn the tables on the Rockets.

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Read More: Should the Lakers Trade Anthony Davis for Zach Lavine After Another Rollercoaster Start to the Season?

During their last game against the Lone Star State, LA had a tough time stopping Sengun. But they were also without AD. Sengun will find it hard to showcase the same efficiency with Davis on the floor. And then, of course, there is the whole Dillon Brooks vs LeBron James fiasco.

It is a done deal that the Lakers will be looking to avenge their loss, but if the King decides to suit up the Crypto.com Arena will be witnesses to another one of Brooks’ epic “poke the bear” game. All jokes aside, it will be quite interesting to see what Darvin Ham has in store for us.

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Will we see Reaves start off the bench again and take the lead? Will Ham put up the next Big 3 in Davis-Wood-Hayes to overpower Houston? Let us know what you think!

Watch This Story: “Anthony Davis Is the Biggest Loser”: Fans Obliterate “The Brow” for Ruining Lebron James’ Historic Night

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Written by:

Geisha Pulimoottil Don

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Geisha is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. Having years of experience as a content writer, she focuses on providing in-depth coverage of the basketball entities. The increased use of technology in studying the game and its intricacies intrigues her.
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Edited by:

Anuj Jacob