Los Angeles Lakers fans held their collective breath on Saturday after LeBron James suffered a groin injury against the Boston Celtics.
James left the Lakers’ prime time matchup against the Celtics with just over seven minutes left at TD Garden in Boston, Mass. The Lakers star made a couple of spin moves in the paint that appeared to strain his groin (video here). He exited the contest with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists on 11/23 shooting as the Lakers lost 111-101 without him.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported there is belief internally that LeBron would be sidelined for “a matter of weeks” and “not a matter of days.”
LeBron James in a Lakers jersey
Apr 4, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts to being called for a foul against the Utah Jazz in the last minute of the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
It is too early to project an accurate timetable for how long LeBron James could miss because of his left groin injury, sources told ESPN. However one source said the initial thought is that it will sideline James for a matter of weeks, not a matter of days.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 9, 2025
LeBron did not sound as worried when he spoke to reporters about the severity of the injury. He believed there is “not much concern” with the issue going forward. For what it’s worth, James pegged himself to be day-to-day pending further tests.
However, James did admit that his mind immediately went to the groin injury he suffered during the 2018-19 season, his first year with the Lakers. That year, LeBron hurt his groin during the Lakers’ Christmas Day matchup against the Golden State Warriors. He missed 17 games following the injury.
James added that he does not think his current injury is anywhere as severe as the one he suffered in 2018. But he made sure to knock on the wooden locker behind him after bringing it up.
The Lakers entered Saturday’s contest on an 8-game winning streak and tied with the Denver Nuggets for the second-best record in the West. If James has to miss any time, Luka Doncic will have to carry the load for the Lakers with just 20 games left in their season.