The Los Angeles Lakers are doing all they can to sneak into the Western Conference Playoffs. They have been without LeBron James for a while, but they have managed to win some games and remain right in the playoff picture. However, the Lakers got a relatively positive outlook on the return of James in a recent segment by ESPN NBA insider Dave McMenamin.

“A league source familiar with LeBron James' thinking told me that he believes LeBron will push for some time over the final 3 games that the Lakers play in Los Angeles… so long as there's no setbacks in his rehab.”

That's a more positive update regarding LeBron James and the Lakers, and they need their superstar back if they want any chance of making the playoffs and making a deep run.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and Shams Charania of The Athletic confirmed McMenamin's report and mentioned that LeBrom has begun on-court activity.

 

LeBron has been out since injuring himself in the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 26, and the Lakers have gone 7-5 in that time. Anthony Davis has been doing the heavy lifting, but Austin Reaves has emerged as of late, including 35 points against the Orlando Magic and 25 against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

The Lakers victory over the Suns has moved them to 36-37 and the 10th seed in the Western Conference, although they are just 1.5 games back of the 6th seed. The Lakers' next four games are against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Chicago Bulls (twice), and the Minnesota Timberwolves before beginning the month of April.

With a ton of pressure on the Lakers, all eyes will be on the ongoing status of LeBron James.