James’ injury hits Lakers at bad time
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a significant setback when Lebron James suffered a right foot injury Sunday that is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks, a person with knowledge of the situation said, spoiling what had been a rare stretch of optimism during a turbulent season.
James, 38, had been listed as out with right foot soreness for the Lakers' next game, a visit to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, after falling to the floor and clutching his foot late in the third quarter of a 111-108 comeback victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
The All-star forward cut to the basket, received a pass and made a move to dribble past Dwight Powell as he attempted a right-handed layup in traffic, only to fall to the court while drawing a foul. James immediately reacted in pain, holding the middle of his right foot and saying that he “heard it pop.”
Despite the setback, James continued playing against the Mavericks, posting 26 points, eight rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes. The four-time MVP walked with a noticeable limp following the game.
On Monday, James posted an Instagram photo of his foot in a protective sock alongside the caption, “(Expletive) sucks !!!! ”
The new-look Lakers, who added D'angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley and Rui Hachimura in deals before the trade deadline, now must mount a push into the playoffs without their leading scorer. Los Angeles is 5-9 this season without James, who is averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists.
Though the Lakers didn't land Kyrie Irving, despite James's public campaigning for a reunion with his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, they did trade Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz for a package of players that rebalanced their roster. Los Angeles is 4-1 since parting with Westbrook, including convincing wins over the New Orleans Pelicans and Golden State Warriors, two teams in the West's play-in mix.
Durant to make debut with Suns
Kevin Durant is expected to make his Phoenix Suns debut on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Suns made the announcement on social media Tuesday. The 13time All-star came to Phoenix on Feb. 9 in a blockbuster trade that sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets.
Durant hasn't played for the Suns while recovering from a sprained knee ligament.
Odds and ends
Charlotte guard Lamelo Ball suffered a fractured right ankle during Monday's victory over Detroit. Ball had possession in the third quarter and was attempting to shake free from Detroit's Killian Hayes when the third-year guard planted on his right leg and fell backward to the floor with no contact.
Depending on its severity, the injury could end his season, or Charlotte might opt to keep him sidelined over its remaining games even if he is able to return. …
Ahead of Wednesday's NBA deadline for playoff eligibility for waived players, Chicago waived guard Goran Dragic. The timing now leaves Dragic available for another team's playoff roster, including a possible reunion with Miami.