LeBron James Out Indefinitely

The 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has most of the country’s attention over the next three weeks, but there is some big news coming out of the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will be out indefinitely with what the team is calling a high ankle sprain.

The injury occurred during the second quarter of a 99-94 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. James collided with Solomon Hill of the Hawks, and Hill rolled up on the right ankle of the former league MVP.

It was clear right away that James was dealing with a significant injury as he screamed in pain while writhing around on the floor. Lakers medical personnel quickly rushed to the floor to tend to James, but James actually stayed in the game and hit a three-pointer before being forced to exit the game permanently.

X-rays and an MRI were performed on the right ankle, and the team announced shortly after the game that a high ankle sprain is the official diagnosis. James is not expected to undergo surgery for the injury but could spend more than a month away from the team.

Several members of the Lakers took exception to the play of Hill that caused the injury, speaking out about it publicly after the game. Hill responded with a Tweet stating that it was just a basketball play and wishing James a speedy recovery.

James was not available to the media at the conclusion of the game, and the rest of the team did not get a chance to speak with their leader. It was James that made a post on his personal Twitter account that gave an update on his status and disappointment of being forced to miss some time.

Nothing angers and saddens me more than not being available to and for my teammates! I’m hurt inside and out right now. ??‍♂️. The road back from recovery begins now. Back soon like I never left. #ThekidfromAKRON??

— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 21, 2021

The Lakers have been playing without Anthony Davis for the last 14 games, and Marc Gasol has also been out due to COVID-19 protocols. This will force the team to be severely undermanned over the next few weeks as they battle for the Pacific Division title.

Nets Set For Griffin’s Debut

In other NBA news, the Brooklyn Nets are set to add another piece to what they hope is a championship puzzle. Blake Griffin will be in the lineup for the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, but he will be playing on a minutes restriction.

Griffin has not played since Feb. 12 as the Detroit Pistons decided to bench him while seeking a trade with another team. Eventually, Detroit was forced to buy out the contract of Griffin, and he quickly chose to sign a deal with the Nets.

The Pistons maintained that Griffin was dealing with a knee injury throughout the season, which was one of the reasons that they were looking to move on. Griffin has made it known that he is healthy and looking to become a permanent part of the Nets rotation.

Brooklyn is still missing Kevin Durant, but he could also be making a return to the lineup later this month.

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