How long is LeBron James out? Groin injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Lakers star

The Lakers’ rough start to the 2022-23 season has been exacerbated by LeBron James’ injury woes.

After appearing in each of the first nine games of his 20th NBA season, James missed the 10th with left foot soreness. As he returned from a one-game absence, James again went down with a groin injury in the fourth quarter of a game against the Clippers. 

As LA enters its second full week without its star, what does this mean for LeBron? Here’s everything we know about his injury and when he may return to the court.

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What is LeBron James’ injury?

In the fourth quarter against the Clippers, an awkward landing caused James apparent discomfort. He would exit the game and not return.

After further testing, Lakers head coach Darvin Harm said that James has a strained left adductor.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham says LeBron James will be day-to-day with his groin injury. Ham says the MRI showed that James has a strained left adductor. Of note: By virtue of a scheduling quirk, James could take eight days off in this next stretch and only miss two games.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 10, 2022

“I feel good besides the injury,” James told reporters postgame. “We’ll get pictures on it tomorrow and go from there but I didn’t do anything strenuous on the play, just when I landed, I felt a little spasm or strain in my groin.”

James was the first to indicate that it was a groin issue, while the team’s initial diagnosis was left leg soreness.

LeBron James says he will get medical imaging on his left groin injury on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/S3yCKf42jH

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 10, 2022

This season, James has appeared on the injury report with left foot soreness, but it had not caused him to miss time until the team’s trip to Utah on Nov. 7.

Through 10 games, James is averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game.

How long will LeBron James be out?

After a five-game absence, LeBron James will return Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Lakers now say LeBron James (left adductor strain) has been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game at San Antonio. https://t.co/oog3i9DIDe

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 25, 2022

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that LA took a cautious approach to James’ recovery with the hopes of avoiding a recurring issue, according to head coach Darvin Ham. While the Lakers’ schedule saw them play just three games in an eight-day span following James’ injury, the 37-year-old was not yet ready to get back on the floor. 

Lakers schedule 2022-23

The Lakers are set to embark upon a three-game road trip before briefly returning home. Though they’re set for three games outside of LA, travel will be limited as the Lakers have two games over three nights in San Antonio.