The Lakers’ four-game road trip these days has been poor for a while. After losing the opening game to the Orlando Magic by 19 points, Los Angeles fell to a 128-94 loss at the hands of the mediocre Houston Rock on Wednesday, falling to 0-3 on the road.
However, on Friday, the team overcame a double-digit deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 122-119 to end the trip on a positive note. Although LeBron James was playing very well and had a good overall start to the season, he collided with Kevin Durant in the first quarter and suffered a contusion on his left calf.
As a result, he will not play in Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers announced that LeBron James will miss tonight’s game against the Trail Blazers with a left calf contusion.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 12, 2023
According to head coach Davon Hamm, James will be responsible for the day-to-day duties.
Ham said LeBron will take it “day by day” moving forward, but they don’t want to push that anymore after James took a knock to his shin and was sore in his last game.
We could see Hachimura move into the starting lineup, but the LALs especially need the playmaking of Russell/Reeves.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 13, 2023
Sunday’s game is the first of six of the Lakers’ seven home games against mostly beatable opponents. This schedule change will give them a chance to build momentum and improve on their 4-5 record.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire