LeBron James could make his return to the court as early as Friday, Nov. 19th, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 19-year veteran has missed the past two weeks while rehabbing an abdominal injury. In the meantime, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled in James’ absence, posting a 3-4 record while being embarrassed in three of the four losses. With a five-game road trip beginning Wednesday evening against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, Friday’s potential return against the Boston Celtics comes at a pivotal time on the Lakers’ schedule:
Nov. 17 – Los Angeles Lakers (8-7) at Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
Nov. 19 – Los Angeles Lakers (8-7) at Boston Celtics (7-7)
Nov. 21 – Los Angeles Lakers (8-7) at Detroit Pistons (3-10)
Nov. 23 – Los Angeles Lakers (8-7) at New York Knicks (8-6)
Nov. 24 – Los Angeles Lakers (8-7) at Indiana Pacers (6-9)
The Lakers, +380 at Tipico Sportsbook to win the 2021-22 NBA championship prior to opening day, have seen their odds decrease to +480. They’ve also dropped in the standings, not only in the Western Conference race but in the Pacific division as well. A current nine-game win streak for the Phoenix Suns and recent seven-game win streaks from both the Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers have the Lakers fourth in the division. Still, the Lakers have +350 odds at winning the Pacific.
The Lakers’ odds are more than likely to improve upon James’ return to the lineup. LeBron’s MVP odds at Tipico Sportsbook have dropped from +1300 to +5000 during his absence, but could easily improve should his return to action help get the Lakers back on track.
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