The Los Angeles Lakers are currently fighting for their playoff lives.
They are in must-win mode every night, and it has not been easy for them with their best player.
LeBron James injured his foot on February 26th and he has missed every game since.
It is expected that James will remain out for at least a few more weeks.
But, the recovery from his injury seems to be coming along nicely.
He has been without a walking boot and was recently seen taking shots on the court.
According to Brad Turner, James was taking free throws in New Orleans on Tuesday.
LeBron getting up shots pic.twitter.com/MsmQNHnS8f
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) March 14, 2023
The Lakers have gone 4-3 without James in this recent stint, and are currently 33-35 overall.
In the packed Western Conference, the Lakers are tied for ninth place.
At one point they were hoping to avoid the play-in tournament, but that does not seem likely to happen.
We have seen the Lakers’ trade deadline acquisitions make a major impact on them.
The additions of D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jared Vanderbilt have all played a huge role.
Russell and Beasley are very good shooters, while Vanderbilt is one of the better defenders in the NBA.
On Tuesday, the Lakers face another must-win game against a team with the same record.
The Pelicans and Lakers are jostling for playoff position, and both need this win.
While the Lakers do not want to rush James back, if they are in danger of falling out of the play-in they might have to.
LA will not be able to do anything substantial this season without a healthy James.
So, they are hoping he comes back sooner than later.
NEXT: D'Angelo Russell Still Had Lakers Fans Talking Sunday Night