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Fresh off a blowout loss to the Miami Heat, LeBron James and the LA Lakers are back in action Friday night. They are set to take on the Atlanta Hawks, but might be without the services of the four-time MVP.
Per the latest injury report, LeBron James is questionable against the Hawks due to left ankle soreness. It's also worth noting that he is celebrating his 38th birthday today.
Despite being in his twentieth season, LeBron James is still performing at an extremely high level. In the month of December, he is averaging 30 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Along with these incredible numbers, LeBron is also shooting close to 53% from the floor in that stretch.
Things were looking good for the LA Lakers for a brief stretch, but they continue to trend in the wrong direction. They are 4-6 in their last ten games and currently sit in 13th place in the Western Conference. Only the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have worse records than them.
How have the LA Lakers fared without LeBron James this season?
With Anthony Davis still out with a foot injury, the LA Lakers need all the star power they can get. If LeBron James does sit out Friday's contest, it will be on Russell Westbrook to lead the charge.
At 38-years-old, LeBron James is not in a position to play on a nightly basis. So far this year, he has been sidelined eight times. In the games he has missed, the Lakers have a record of 3-5.
Given the current state of the team, the Lakers shouldn't push their star player. Plus, the Atlanta Hawks are also a team in the midst of a downward spiral. Even without their two All-Stars, LA might be able to steal a win along with getting LeBron a night off his feet.
If the Lakers want any shot at being victorious, they will need a big performance from Russell Westbrook. Since moving to a benc role earlier this season, the former MVP has had a resurgence in his career.
In 29 games off the bench, Westbrook is averaging 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. He is also fresh off posting a triple-double in a blowout win against the Orlando Magic. Westbrook posted 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists in only 29 minutes of action.
If LeBron wants to extend the final stages of his career, he must weigh on the side of caution. One injury could completely derail his final years in the league.
