The two media, each citing sources within the Los Angeles franchise, drew the information almost at the same time, without however being able to specify the nature of the problem encountered by James.

The Lakers, who had announced his package for the next meeting against Memphis on Tuesday, did not communicate further on the duration of his absence.

According to The Athletic, the brand new leading scorer in the history of the League is undergoing medical examinations and must speak with specialists to find out the severity of an injury, which he contracted during the victory in Dallas on Sunday.

During this match, during which he scored 26 points, "LBJ" collapsed on the ground, in pain, at the end of the third quarter, after contact with Dwight Powell.

Afterwards, he explained to the microphone of ESPN to have stepped on the foot of his vis-à-vis and, leaving the room of the Mavericks later, he was seen limping quite low.

On Monday evening, James expressed his frustration in an Instagram post, saying, "Fuck... that sucks...!", in a photo showing his right leg with a mini sock on what looks like to protection around his ankle.

Despite being 38, he's been in dazzling form so far this season, averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists.

An absence of several weeks, when there is less than a month and a half of competition - or around twenty regular season matches to play - could be likely to compromise the hopes of the Lakers, currently 12th in the Conference. West (29v-32d), to hang the play-offs.

After a laborious first part of the championship, in particular due to the absence of Anthony Davis, who was injured for a long time, the Californians have however improved significantly in recent weeks, thanks to the return from within but also to a few transfers at the end of the transfer window. which increased the workforce.

© 2023 AFP