LeBron James will make his return to the Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup in a nationally-televised matchup against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday. LeBron has missed the past eight games (and 10 overall) since being diagnosed with an abdominal strain on Nov. 2.
LeBron had been listed as a game-time decision for the Boston game up until about 45 minutes before tip-off. After the team's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday — the first in a five-game East Coast road trip — LeBron told reporters that he was hopeful that he could face Boston. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported him as a “50/50” chance to suit up on Friday.
LeBron tested out his ab strain in shootaround on Friday morning and again in pre-game warmups — which he capped off with a thunderous two-handed jam. Minutes later, his inclusion in the lineup was reported. The Lakers released their starting lineup shortly after.
LeBron officially back in the lineup, along with Talen Horton-Tucker pic.twitter.com/ZhDjqLmWuL
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) November 20, 2021
The Lakers won just three of the past eight games without LeBron, and are 4-6 without him on the season. LeBron missed two games early on with ankle soreness. Los Angeles is eight points per 100 possessions worse with him off the floor in 2021-22. The Lakers are 8-8 through 16 games.
In his pregame remarks, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was asked what the Lakers miss most when LeBron sits. His answer? General communication, defensive play-making, and “running the team offensively.” (You know, the little things.)
Friday will mark LeBron's seventh appearance of the 2021-22 season. James has averaged 24.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game.
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