The Lakers Nation may have to fortify their hearts and steel them! LeBron James exited the floor amid the Lakers’ intense chase down at TD Garden. Tonight, taking on the defending champs Boston Celtics, the LA side grabbed all the attention (Maybe some might have switched channels to the Warriors game). Matching up to the expectations, the game offered everything until it broke the fans’ hearts at the end.

The 40-year-old superstar, who put up an all-round performance (22-14-9), exited the floor after facing some discomfort and headed straight to the locker room with 7-odd minutes left in the game. Reports initially stated a leg injury, and fans expected Bron to return. Later, Shams Charania reported that he wouldn’t return for the rest of the game, citing a groin strain.

While there wasn’t any clarity on when LeBron James sustained the injury, we might have a hunch. In the play before he asked the bench for an out, the superstar made a tough bucket. Around the 7:10 mark in the fourth quarter, Bron went on an iso with Jaylen Brown near the paint. After spinning and twirling, the 4x NBA Champ dropped the lay-up, leaving Brown to dance to his tunes.

Unfortunately, the Akron Hammer was uncomfortable after the play, as he ran differently to the defense corridor. Following that, he immediately it communicated it to the bench and walked off the court. It was indeed the momentum that the Celtics were looking for.

After a fighting effort in the first half, the Purple & Gold side blew the game away in the third quarter. Trailing by 20 points in the last quarter, the Lakers needed a miracle in the fourth. That’s what they exactly got, too! The team reduced the deficit to 7 before Bron left the court. Following that, it was a downhill. After an 8-game winning streak in the Luka Doncic era, the Lakers lost the game (111-101). Can they pull it back and when will LeBron James return? Let’s find out.

When will LeBron James return from the groin injury?

The updates coming in from the center don’t sound promising at all. Even though it’s too early to speak about the superstar’s return, fans will have to prepare to accept whatever is thrown at them. As of now, it’s not a good sign. At the post-game presser, Coach JJ Redick said, “Obviously concerned. Don’t have any information right now.” 

On the other end, ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin managed to pull out the timeline of the superstar’s return. In his X post, he highlighted that “It is too early to project an accurate timetable.” However, a source told ESPN that James will be sidelined for weeks, and McMenamin again highlighted, “for a matter of weeks, not a matter of days.” Moreover, it depends on the severity of the injury, as a Grade 1 will leave the superstar out for 1-2 weeks, meanwhile, a Grade 2 will push for 3+ weeks.

In short, Luka Doncic might have to shoulder his team for the last stretch of the season. It’s ironic that the Mavs traded the Slovenian, hinting that he was injury-prone. Now, he has to take control of another team whose franchise player will be out for weeks. Currently, standing in the 3rd seed, the LA side isn’t too far from sinking down to the 5th spot. What do you think? Will Luka steady the ship in Bron’s absence? Let us know in the comments.