LeBron James could return at a critical time for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Lakers are listing James as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. The NBA’s all-time scoring leader hasn’t played since suffering a right foot injury on Feb. 26.
The news comes a day after Los Angeles upgraded James from out to doubtful.
Lakers star LeBron James has been upgraded again to questionable for tonight vs. Bulls. The return is near.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 26, 2023
Even if LeBron doesn’t return Sunday, it’s a good sign he’ll play soon to help a team entrenched in a Western Conference logjam.
The Lakers have held down the fort without James, going 8-5 since he last played. They’re tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans for the first three play-in spots at 37-37.
With eight games remaining, the Lakers still have an opportunity to avoid the tournament by jumping to the No. 6 seed. However, they’re also only a game ahead of the Dallas Mavericks, who would currently miss the playoffs.
After facing the Bulls again on Wednesday, the Lakers close the season with six conference games, starting with a four-game road trip. Welcoming back James, averaging 29.5 points per game, would be a monumental boost.
A definitive answer for LeBron’s status should arrive before Sunday’s game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET.