Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James refutes report about his recovery

By Dylan Williams | Last updated 3/23/23

Los Angeles Lakers fans may have to tone down their anticipation for LeBron James' return.

On Thursday, the Athletic's Shams Charania reported that the NBA's all-time scoring leader was starting on-court rehab with James having hope that he can return for at least the last three games.

However, soon after Charania's report was posted, James posted a rebuttal to his Twitter account, claiming that he had not been re-evaluated nor had there been a timetable set for his return.

There wasn’t an evaluation today and there hasn’t been any target date for my return. I’m just working around the clock, every day(3X a day) to give myself to best chance of coming back full strength whenever that is. God bless y’all sources. ‍♂️ I speak for myself!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 23, 2023

James has been out since Feb. 26 after he injured a tendon in his foot during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers have gone 7-5 in his absence, including a 122-111 win over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night.

The Lakers are a part of the crowded playoff picture in the Western Conference, with the 12-seeded New Orleans Pelicans only being 2.5 games behind of the fifth seed. Entering Thursday, the Lakers are tied for ninth with Dallas, both sporting 36-37 records. The team has been trying to recover from a 2-10 start to the season, going 34-27 since the start despite injuries to both James and Anthony Davis, along with roster reshuffling at the trade deadline.

In 47 games, the 38-year-old James is averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game, leading the Lakers in the points category.

It is an especially stressful time to be a Los Angeles Lakers fan, hoping the team continues to tread water until James is ready to play again. Unfortunately, he nor the fans know when that time is.

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