Dennis Schroder: LeBron James 'close' to returning from injury

LeBron James has missed more than a month after suffering a high ankle sprain in March, but Los Angeles Lakers teammate Dennis Schroder indicated that James could return to the court soon.

"I mean, he's close," Schroder told The Athletic. "I can tell you that much. We're ready. We can't wait for him to get back to help us win games again and be together at the right time. Eleven games in and get to work."

LeBron has been out since March 20, and the team has made no clear timetable for his return, though it is believed he could be back on the court at the beginning of May. Losing James is never easy, but the Lakers were in an especially difficult position when he went down given that Anthony Davis had been sidelined since Feb. 14 due to a calf strain and tendinosis in his right leg. Davis finally returned last week, though he is still easing back into action, playing more than 30 minutes for the first time in Monday night's win over the Orlando Magic.

Despite the struggles, the Lakers have managed to stay in the top six in the Western Conference, meaning they wouldn't have to be in the play-in tournament. If LeBron is able to return soon and get back into a rhythm by the playoffs, the Lakers could be in prime position to defend their title in the loaded West.