Report: LeBron James Could Return From Injury to Face Cavs

Former Cleveland Cavaliers star forward LeBron James is currently out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ lineup due to a strained groin, and while there’s currently no timetable for his return, a recent report indicated that he could rejoin the Lakers’ rotation on Jan. 13, when they host the Cavs.

The 34-year-old James sustained the injury during a Christmas Day game against Golden State and has missed the last four games. Los Angeles has won just one of those contests.

During the 16-year veteran’s first season back with the Cavaliers in the 2014-15 season, he also suffered an injury during a game on Christmas and subsequently missed two weeks of action. Prior to the injury he is currently dealing with, the absence back in the 2014-15 season was the last time he missed consecutive games.

In his first year with the Lakers this season, James has largely maintained the production that fans have come to expect. He’s played in 34 games this season, and has averaged 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists. In his Nov. 21 return to Quicken Loans Arena to face the Cavs, he delivered 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.

The Cavaliers enter Friday night’s home game against Utah with an 8-30 record, the worst in the NBA, and are currently in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. They have two more games at home before embarking on their longest road trip of the season, playing six games in an 11-day span. The contest against the Lakers will be the third of those matchups.

Hopefully James is able to suit up and face his old team when that game finally comes.