LeBron James has missed six games with a groin strain, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers without their superstar. His absence has been felt by both teammates and fans.
Without James, the Lakers went 3-3, largely thanks to Luka Dončić’s heroics. However, some NBA fans believe James’ injury was just a strategy to rest up for the playoffs.

Fans in Awe as Lebron James Showcases Fitness Levels After Injury
Dončić has carried the Lakers’ offensive load but has been dealing with an ankle injury of his own. He missed their last game against the Milwaukee Bucks, a 118-89 loss
With injuries stacking up, a recent training clip of James has gone viral. The 40-year-old is expected to return against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, March 22. The video, posted on X, shows James sprinting the length of the court and dunking on both ends.
The user captioned the clip of James running the length of the court and dunking on both sides: “LeBron looks ready.”
LeBron looks ready 👀 pic.twitter.com/wJfUFe8yte
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo)
Fans were amazed by the four-time NBA champion’s seemingly quick recovery despite his advancing age. Some suggested James was never seriously injured but instead resting to prepare for a deep playoff run.
“King is back strong,” replied one fan.
“Lesbie honest…he can play. He just resting for playoffs,” tweeted a fan.
Lesbie honest…he can play. He just resting for playoffs.
— Not Poor Just Pre-Rich (@TX_hodler)
“Oh he is so freaking back,” added a fan.
“He’s fine he’s just resting up for April,” responded one fan.
He’s fine he’s just resting up for April
— JoshuaLP (@Unknown_Serf)
“I do believe he had some discomfort. I also believe he was never playing 6 games in 8 days lol,” another fan added.
“He was never hurt lol,” another fan tweeted.
He was never hurt lol https://t.co/UG09ryptSm
— Simeon Lee † (@TheRea1SLee)
JJ Redick Provides an Update on James
The Lakers, sitting fourth in the Western Conference at 43-26, are entering a crucial stretch. Fans are eager to see James back on the floor for the playoff push.
NBA reporter Mark Medina spoke with head coach JJ Redick, who shared an update on James’ status: “Lakers coach JJ Redick said that he’s ‘hopeful’ that LeBron James and Rui Hachimura will play on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls,” he reported.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said that he’s “hopeful” that LeBron James and Rui Hachimura will play on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina)
Hachimura, who has missed nine games with a knee injury, could also return. With Redick’s optimism, Lakers fans have reason to expect both players back on Saturday.
