What happened to LeBron James? Analyzing the LA Lakers’ record without their star man

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Los Angeles Lakers talisman LeBron James set to miss more games after knee injury

Lakers star LeBron James is set to miss out on more games after returning to Los Angeles for treatment on his injured knee. The Ohio born missed the end of the team’s road trip, a 129-121 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

In the two games he has missed, the Lakers have gone 0-2, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets. He was severely missed in both games and that continued against the Hawks. The Lakers are 4 games behind the Nuggets for that 6th seed in the Western Conference. With LeBron averaging 29 PPG, the entire franchise is reliant on his experience to carve out a miracle.

LeBron James injury
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 25: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Brooklyn Nets during their Chinese New Year celebration at Barclays Center on January 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)

Lakers coach Frank Vogel said that the star underwent an MRI scan and is now being monitored by the medical team. He said :

“As long as the swelling is there, he’s going to be out and we’ll get him back as soon as we can. Just going to keep an eye on it day to day.” (h/t ESPN)

Los Angeles Lakers running out of steam without LeBron James?

The Lakers have not been able to carry any momentum without their talisman. In the last game, they scored a season-best 71 points in the first half on 71.4% shooting – the best shooting performance by any NBA team in any half this season. But a fourth-quarter debacle, helped the Hawks dominate and overcome an 11 point lead.

“We always feel like we have enough even [when] Bron or in Charlotte, Bron and AD — are out. We showed we have enough to be right there at the end. Just need to make a couple more plays to get these W’s. We could have easily won these last two games, we’ve just got to make a few more plays,” Vogel continued.

The Lakers (24-27) are 9th in the Western Conference standings. Their record is 5-10 without James after the loss on Sunday. The Lakers next face the Portland TrailBlazers, followed by the Los Angeles Clippers.

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