LeBron James Drops Truth Bomb on Injury That Won't Please Lakers Fans

LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers v Memphis Grizzlies

(Photo : Justin Ford/Getty Images) FEBRUARY 28: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has fired back at the rumors that he is targeting to return in the final week of the season.

James last played on February 26 and has been sidelined ever since due to a bothersome right foot injury. Head coach Darvin Ham said recently that LeBron will return at some point this 2022-23 season, and that claim was further supported on Thursday when Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported that the NBA's all-time leading scorer could return and play in a few games in the final week of the regular season.

LeBron is set to have a re-evaluation this week, so the latest rumors only fueled expectations of his return.

However, James quickly took to Twitter to set the record straight, emphasizing that there is still no specific timetable for his return. He also shared that he has yet to be re-evaluated, hence the lack of his recovery timeline.

"There wasn't an evaluation today and there hasn't been any target date for my return," James explained. "I'm just working around the clock, every day (3X a day) to give myself to best chance of coming back full strength whenever that is. God bless y'all sources. I speak for myself!"

It remains to be seen when exactly will James be able to come back and play again, but at least his latest comments don't rule out an earlier return.

Lakers Thriving Despite LeBron James' Injury Absence

While many thought that LeBron James' injury absence would doom the Purple and Gold, it's the exact opposite as the team has thrived with the likes of D'Angelon Russell and Austin Reaves stepping up alongside Anthony Davis.

In the 12 games LeBron has missed so far, the Lakers went 7-5. They have won their last two, with Reaves actually starring for the team. The 24-year-old guard dropped 35 points last Sunday against the Orlando Magic before exploding for 25 points and 11 dimes in their victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.

Thanks to their recent run, LA has given James more time to let his body heal and recover without the pressure of rushing his return.