Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) celebrates after a defensive stop during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) shoots over New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (6) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) celebrates after scoring against the New York Knicks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, right, dribbles past New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, center right, shoots over New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Actor Denzel Washington applauds, sitting next to director Spike Lee, during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Director Spike Lee smiles during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles past New York Knicks guard Trevor Keels during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is defended by New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dunks past New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Beasley, top center, scores past New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and guard Trevor Keels (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) reacts after dunking over Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Beasley (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Actor Denzel Washington, right, talks to director Spike Lee during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Beasley (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket at Los Angeles Lakers forward Troy Brown Jr. (7) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) shoots between Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward Rui Hachimura during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
LOS ANGELES — Angelenos have all been raiding their closets lately dealing with the unseasonably seasonal cold weather. LeBron James’ Sunday ensemble included a tan turtleneck sweater.
That had to seem a positive sign for a Lakers team that has been winning well enough without James, but would still love to have him back sooner rather than later. The 38-year-old was injured when he was still enjoying an outstanding individual season, averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists.
Coach Darvin Ham was close to the vest discussing James’ progress: “Everything is going according to plan.”
James has now missed seven straight games, but he hadn’t attended two games – wins over Memphis and Toronto – in a row before arriving Sunday evening. The Lakers said James was excused for medical reasons during his rehab from his tendon injury.
Ham suggested that the absence over the last week was a positive in terms of allowing James some space from his demands this season. From the team’s rough start, to carrying the Lakers when Davis was injured, to chasing down the all-time scoring record, to his presence as a father in his oldest son’s senior year, Ham pointed out the mental toll that can take, even on a superstar as seasoned as James.
“It’s also good for him to unplug a little bit – not be detached necessarily, but just mentally get a little bit of a calming to everything that’s transpired over the year,” he said. “It’s been a lot. So it’s not just about him getting healthy, it’s about him being in a good place mentally and spiritually so we get the best version of him when he returns.”
While Hames has only played three games since the trade deadline (all wins), he has been engaged with the team: After their Friday win over Toronto, James posted scores of highlights to his Instagram story even though he was not physically present. At Sunday’s game, he showcased the handshakes and rapport he’s developed with his new teammates in spite of not being on the floor with them.
Davis said James texted the group after the last game with insights and observations, and most of all he’s been impressed with the chemistry.
“He’s seen it. He can tell. He watches enough basketball,” Davis said. “We talked after the Memphis game … texting us, ‘Great win,’ things that he sees. So he’s involved even though he’s getting healthy.”
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