LeBron James ‘could return for the Lakers in the last week of regular season’

LeBron James could return for the Lakers in the last week of the regular season in April, having been out since February 26 with a foot injury.

The 38-year-old became the highest scorer in the history of the NBA earlier this year but hasn’t played very much since due to a foot tendon issue sustained in the February 26 comeback win against the Mavericks.

Now, according to ESPN, the end of his time on the sidelines could finally be in sight.

The publication added to earlier reports Thursday that James is continuing his on-court activity by claiming the last week of regular season might be when he comes back.

Last week he was filmed taking free throws on court in a signal that he is recovering well. 

LeBron James could return for the Lakers in the last week of the regular season i

James has been sidelined since the end of February with a tendon issue in his right foot

And it could be vital for the Lakers as they fight to make the playoffs. 

The team is currently 10th in the Western Conference standings with a 36-37 record but are just two wins behind the Phoenix Suns who are up in fourth. James was left as a spectator for that game.

The Lakers have nine regular season games left and clinched a vital 122-111 win against the Suns on Wednesday night.

On Friday, they take on Oklahoma City Thunder, eighth in the Western Conference on a 36-36 record and a late season rally could galvanize the Lakers.

It makes James’s potential return all the more timely, but players are starting to step up in his absence.

Austin Reaves produced a career-best 11 assists in the win over the Suns, after a career-best 35 points in the win against Orlando Magic.

‘For me, it’s really the same mindset going into every game, and it’s win – at all costs,’ Reaves said. ‘Win. That’s all that really matters.’ 

And with James in the team, it’s a task that gets a little bit easier for the Lakers. 

James was a spectator as the Lakers defeated the Suns 122-111 in a crucial win Wednesday