NBA Rumors: Latest on LeBron James' Injury, Frank Vogel's Lakers Future, More
The Los Angeles Lakers got one of their leading men back when Anthony Davis returned to action Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. What is LeBron James' status?
James has not played since suffering a high-ankle sprain against the Atlanta Hawks on March 20. The Lakers have been quite cautious with their leader, but he could be on the verge of a return.
Here is the latest on James' health, as well as Frank Vogel's future in L.A. and a New York Knicks newcomer who might help bolster the team's frontcourt in the final weeks.
LeBron Nearing Return
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James was always going to miss a good chunk of action with his ankle injury.
Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported James had an "expected four-to-six week recovery period." It likely would not have been much of a surprise were the Lakers to err on the side of caution with respect to James' recovery and hold him out the full six weeks, if not slightly longer.
However, L.A. always figured to give James a bit of a ramp-up period in advance of the playoffs. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Saturday on NBA Countdown (h/t Justin Benjamin of Lakers Daily) that James could be back sometime this week.
"You'll see Anthony Davis still be on that 15-minute restriction in his second game back tonight, but that'll start ramping up as we get closer to LeBron James' return, which could be as soon as the following week," Wojnarowski said.
James had been playing at an MVP level prior to sustaining the injury. He was averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 assists and 7.9 rebounds through 41 games, shooting 51.3 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from beyond the arc. The 36-year-old had not shown any signs of slowing down.
The Lakers will be glad to have James back after losing four of their last five. Davis struggled in his return to action, but he (among others) will benefit from LeBron's return to the rotation.
Lakers, Vogel to Discuss Contract Extension
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Bill Oram and Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported in December the Lakers initially wanted to hire Tyronn Lue for their head coaching vacancy ahead of the 2019-20 season. But L.A. settled on Frank Vogel, and now the team wants to extend him.
Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday on NBA Countdown the Lakers plan to begin extension talks with Vogel at the end of the season.
Vogel won an NBA title in his first season with the Lakers. He really made his name as a defensive-minded head coach for the hard-nosed Indiana Pacers in the early 2010s. That defensive mentality has carried over to the Purple and Gold.
Los Angeles ranked third in defensive rating during the 2019-20 campaign. The Lakers rank first in that department this season, despite being without both Anthony Davis and LeBron James for extended periods.
Vogel, whose contract expires after next season has apparently impressed management enough so as to prompt extension talks in the near future. He would guarantee himself even more money should the Lakers win their second consecutive championship later this summer.
Knicks Sign Simisola Shittu
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The New York Knicks are plucking talent from their G League affiliate as they look to add frontcourt depth.
Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported New York plans to sign Westchester Knicks big man Simisola Shittu to a 10-day contract. He will fill the final open spot on the Knicks roster.
Shittu played quite well in the G League bubble. He averaged 14.5 points and 10.1 rebounds in 13 games with Westchester, shooting 55.6 percent from the field and making an impact on the offensive glass.
Julius Randle is having a brilliant season and has been especially good during New York's nine-game win streak. But he also leads the NBA in minutes played. The Knicks might be looking to lessen his workload just a bit ahead of the playoffs.
Shittu should be able to soak up some minutes with Randle needing the occasional breather and Mitchell Robinson still out with a fractured foot. The former Vanderbilt product will also have the opportunity to showcase his abilities and make a statement to head coach Tom Thibodeau.
All stats obtained via Basketball Reference or the G League website, unless otherwise noted.
