Los Angeles Lakers' star LeBron James suffered a left ankle injury during the team's 130-120 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Despite scoring 31 points and dishing out 13 assists, James had to leave the game in discomfort. He mentioned that the ankle issue has been ongoing and he is managing it as best as he can.
James attributed the pain to 'wear and tear' as he navigates his 21st season in the NBA. He noted that the discomfort varies from game to game, with some days feeling better than others. The 39-year-old player's availability for the upcoming game against the Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain.
The Lakers, who are currently ranked 10th in the Western Conference, faced a setback against the Kings. Despite starting strong with a significant lead, they faltered as Sacramento mounted a comeback. De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 44 points, while Domantas Sabonis contributed a triple-double performance.
Anthony Davis expressed disappointment over the loss, emphasizing the importance of must-win games. He acknowledged the impact of key players like Malik Monk and Davion Mitchell off the bench for the Kings, who changed the course of the game.
The defeat marked the Lakers' second loss in three games, dropping them to the 10th spot in the West. The Kings' victory secured their season series win against the Lakers, potentially affecting postseason seeding in tiebreak scenarios.
The Lakers will need to regroup and address defensive lapses that allowed the Kings to dominate offensively. With playoff implications at stake, the team faces a crucial stretch as they aim to secure a higher seed in the competitive Western Conference.
