LeBron James OUT for 2 Weeks Due to Knee, Back
The Cleveland Cavaliers exciting, championship season has been anything but smooth. Now comes a statement from the team that LeBron James will be out for two weeks due to strains in his left knee and low back. Here is the full statement from their site:
"LeBron James was evaluated yesterday at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health by Richard D. Parker, MD, Cavaliers Head Team Physician. Tests included physical exam, radiographs and a MRI, the results of which revealed left knee and low back strains. These conditions will be treated via a multimodal approach consisting of anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation, training room treatments, and rest. LeBron is currently projected to be Out for the next 2 weeks."
For the Cavs, with all the drama surrounding coach David Blatt, the team’s performance and their need to add talent at the center and shooting guard spots, this is difficult news.
On the other hand it may help explain some of the many problems it has seemed that James has had on the floor. It is possible, considering reports from pre-season and some of James statements since, that these two issues have been year long issues. Whether the two weeks of rest and treatment will be enough to solve the problem is another story.
LeBron’s back issues could be the explanation for him getting the ball knocked away more often than ever remembered, inability to bend due to his back gives defenders more access to the ball. Both his back and knee issues could also explain his lack of play in the paint, lack of explosiveness and lack of intensity on both sides of the ball.
Consistency in effort has rarely been an issue in the past, hopefully the injuries are more the cause than the attitude concerns that many have presented over the past few weeks. The idea that James is upset with Blatt, or his teammates is a neat little narrative, but not one that fits well with his history. Injuries impacting his play makes far more sense.
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The Cavs, and James himself, have access to the best doctors in the world and are likely looking at every solution possible. It is unlikely that James would allow himself to have any type of surgeries, unless he absolutely had to, in his return season to Cleveland. That could mean these injuries could linger for some time.
It also means the Cavs will have to learn to gel without the guy who makes the team go. Kyrie Irving will go back to being the primary ball handler, unless Blatt gets creative with Dion Waiters back in the starting lineup.
Kevin Love also is dealing with some injury issues and could continue to miss some games. That means the Cavs look like an older version of last year’s team and that is not a good thing.
Shawn Marion will likely step in to the starting lineup in James spot but the aging vet doesn’t have a ton left in the tank and likely can’t play starters minutes for long. Players like Waiters, James Jones, Mike Miller and Joe Harris will need to step up for the Cavaliers.
How concerned are you about LeBron James’ health long term?