It looks like Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James is really close to returning to the floor.

On Monday, James was seen shooting deep 3-pointers at practice, a sign that the four-time MVP's left groin is feeling a lot better:

LeBron James injured his groin on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors. The King has missed 16 games in a row. The Lakers have gone just 6-10 without LeBron in the lineup.

Article Continues Below

In his first season with the Lakers, LeBron James is averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. The 34-year-old is shooting 51.8 percent from the field, 35.6 percent from beyond the arc and 68.2 percent from the free-throw line.

James has 17 double-doubles and three triple-doubles on the season. The Lakers need their leader back as soon as possible. They are currently 26-24 on the season, sitting in the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings. Before LeBron got hurt, Los Angeles was in the fourth spot.

Some around the league believe the Lakers haven't been completely transparent with LeBron James' injury. LA said James was going to be day-to-day with the injury, but LeBron has been out for over a month. This is the most games James has missed in a season during his legendary career.

The good news, though, is that it appears LeBron James is inching closer to a return.