LEBRON James could be back on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers as soon as Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported.
James, recovering from a groin injury sustained on Christmas Day, wants to participate in a few more practices before playing in a game, according to Times’ sources.
That would put the superstar out of the Tuesday home game against the Philadelphia 76ers, with an eye toward the Thursday game at the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Lakers were scheduled to practice late Monday and Wednesday.
James has missed 16 consecutive games, with the Lakers going 6-10 in those contests.
Meanwhile, New Orleans star Anthony Davis doesn’t plan to sign a contract extension and has told the Pelicans he wants to be traded, the team confirmed Monday.
“Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship,” Rich Paul, who is Davis’ agent, told ESPN.
He added: “Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now. That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”
Yahoo Sports reported Davis wants to play in a big market as well, not just on a winning team.
The report added that the Philadelphia 76ers are not expected to be interested, but the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are preparing to make offers.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 7, but New Orleans has given no indication it wants to trade Davis this season. (Reuters)
