LEBRON JAMES is expected to be out for at least one more week because of a groin injury.
The Lakers star suffered the injury in a defeat to the Boston Celtics earlier this month.
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James, 40, hobbled off the floor with 6:44 remaining in the fourth quarter due to a left groin strain.
The power forward claimed the injury occurred when he pivoted around Celtics ace Jaylen Brown to score in the lane.
James has since returned to training but he is may not be fit until at least another week, according to ESPN.
It is expected the Lakers will take a cautious approach and not rush James back too quickly.
The NBA legend was seen shooting hoops alongside his team-mates as he tested out how his body feels after a short spell on the sidelines.
The former Miami Heat star said there was “not much concern” and vowed to “go day to day” in treating it.
James said after the match: “Maybe extended it a little bit too much.”
He added: “I’ve been there before, and I know what type of injury you’re dealing with.
“I looked at the score. I was like, ‘Oh s***,'”. Those are moments you live for, especially in a game like this, not being out there.
“So I was cheering on the guys while I was back here [in the locker room].”
James helped ESPN to record ratings as millions tuned in to watch him and Luka Doncic take on the defending NBA champions.
Data from the broadcaster shows the game averaged 4.61 million viewers and peaked at 5.3 million.
The ratings were up 92 per cent from the same window in 2024.
On that occasion, the Phoenix Suns hosted the Celtics and drew 2.4 million viewers on ABC.
Saturday’s game was viewed by the highest non-Christmas Day regular season audience in seven years, per the NBA.
It was also the most-watched program in primetime.
Prior to the contest, the red-hot Lakers were on an eight-game winning streak.
