Key Points:
LeBron James reacted to tough news
He included a historic photo
James’ return took a surprising detour Monday
The Los Angeles Lakers have made due without the services of LeBron James so far this season with Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic and others stepping up in his absence.
The Lakers are NBA Finals contenders again even with a young coach, JJ Redick, at the controls of their game-to-game strategies.
On Monday, James shared a message with his followers that came on the heels of bad news in the NBA world.
The James post was viewed by many fans as they reacted to his heartfelt social media gesture.
James reacted to the news that the NBA’s third all-time winningest coach, former Hawks and Supersonics leader Lenny Wilkens, passed away on Sunday at age 88.
“RIP LEGEND!!!!! You’ll be missed! Always was an honor to see you throughout the years,” James wrote with three flying dove emojis and a heart emoji.
He included a photo of himself and the basketball legend embracing each other at an event in Aug. 2022.
James Takes G League Route in Bid for Return
James was expected to take the G League route on Monday as it was announced by Redick that he would practice with the South Bay Lakers.
James is recovering from a sciatica injury on his right side and has not played since last year’s 4-1 NBA Playoffs exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers Battle Hornets Monday
The Lakers found themselves in a battle with the team they almost completed a blockbuster trade with last season, the Charlotte Hornets, on Monday night.
The Hornets led after one quarter and maintained a slim lead in the third juncture of the game as of Monday night, a performance belying their 3-6 record on the year.
Reaves and Doncic stood out as LA’s only two double digit scorers heading toward the fourth quarter as the Lakers struggled to knock off their Eastern Conference opponents.