Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James has not played since injuring his groin during the Los Angeles' Lakers Christmas Day victory over the Golden State Warriors, but he'll be able to get back on the court with his teammates next week.
According to an official announcement from the team, LeBron has been cleared to return to practice next week after being evaluated by the Lakers' medical staff and physicians on Wednesday.
The Lakers previously announced that James would not travel on their upcoming two-game road trip against the Thunder and Rockets, which will be played on Thursday and Saturday. Following the weekend road trip, the Lakers' next game is a home matchup against the Warriors on Monday night.
If LeBron misses that contest, as expected, it will mark the 14th game he has missed this season which is more than in any other season during his 16-year career.
LeBron's agent, Rich Paul, told The Athletic's Sam Amick on Wednesday the "best-case scenario was three weeks, the worst-case was six weeks, and we're right on schedule." Tuesday marked three weeks since James' injury, and the Lakers are desperate for him to return.
The team has dropped seven of their last 11 games without LeBron in the lineup and they are currently sitting at 24-21 on the year which has them tied with the Utah Jazz for eighth in the Western Conference.