NEW ORLEANS — LeBron JamesAfter turning his ankle in the first half, his left ankle felt “horrible”. Los Angeles Lakers‘ 116-108 lossTo the New Orleans PelicansHis availability to play Tuesday in Dallas on Sunday is at risk as L.A. faces an important final stretch in order to guarantee a spot in this play-in tournament.
James, who finished with 39 points and nine rebounds in 42 minutes against New Orleans, said, “I don’t know how I ended the game. “It’s pretty nasty.”
James’ ankle was wrapped following the game. He was walking with noticeable limp.
He wasn’t sure if it would make him miss any games.
“I hope not,” James said. “S—. I hope not. I hate missing out on games. It’s not in my nature.”
The injury occurred with 10:09 left in the second quarter, when the Lakers were up 36-29. He stepped on the Pelicans center. Jaxson HayesHe took off his sneaker and turned the ankle outward. After relacing his sneakers, he remained on the floor until L.A. called timeout.
James explained that he was trying to rebound offensively and that he and Jaxson stepped simultaneously. “He put his foot on the ground and rolled my ankle before I could get back on the hardwood. I stepped on his toes and rolled my ankle.
Frank Vogel, Lakers coach: “It is tough. It’s been that type of season. He was in an amazing groove at that point, and I credit him for persevering. However, you can see that his ability to do so was somewhat limited the rest. He persevered.”
James stated that L.A. would have fallen from No. 9 if the game had not been so important to the Lakers’ playoff picture. 9 to No. 9 to No. 11 San Antonio SpursHe would have “probably” not finished the game.
“It was a sharp pain that ran up my leg from the moment I turned my ankle. It got hotter. He said that he had been in the same situation with ankle sprains. “But I didn’t wish to leave the game because of my understanding. [the importance]. I meant, I just wanted the game to win. It was a huge game for us.
James indicated that he had started treatment on his ankle prior to leaving the arena, and would continue it “around-the clock” up to Tuesday’s game against The. Dallas Mavericks.
L.A. will fly from New Orleans on Sunday night to Dallas, but the cabin pressure won’t help with recovery.
It is terrible right now. James stated that we are about to board a plane, too. “Watch what happens every day. But right now, it’s quite sore.
James was still productive in the quarter’s second quarter. He shot 5-for-6 (from the field) and 3-for-5 (3 from 3), for 14 points. L.A. increased its lead to 23. However, his play became more sluggish in the half. After the break, he scored 14 points by shooting 5-for-14. The Lakers outscored him 24 times in 21 minutes.
He stated, “I have lost all my explosiveness.”
Lakers reserve Malik MonkHe said that he still believes in God, despite L.A.’s current situation, and this is largely due to James’ presence.
Monk stated that he is never unsure of what he can accomplish. “Especially Bron, when we added him to our team.”
James answered a question about whether he can live up to the trust he has in Monk and his teammates. It all depends on how well he heals.
“Well, I don’t know if I’m healthy. James explained that my ankle is pretty bad. “But, I feel like if my feet are on the floor and I can make it happen, then we still have a good chance of making something out this season.”