The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic on Sunday in what was a must-win game for the team.
LeBron James, who continues to be out with a foot injury, was on hand to support his squad and managed to cause something of a stir.
Specifically, fans couldn’t get over James’ choice of shoes.
.@KingJames in the “Four Horsemen” Nike Air Force 1s tonight. pic.twitter.com/FwfcNVUYsx
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) March 20, 2023
Fan reaction flowed in swiftly.
By and large, it was overwhelmingly positive. It seems like everyone approved of James’ kicks.
Brahhh I would go apeshit for these https://t.co/zYK2Nnp7g6
— Curtis Mayfield Stan Account (@NoMadDadKickz) March 20, 2023
— Kangy Mangy (@kangmanny) March 20, 2023
No mames https://t.co/Hu0naiuO9x
— Post Valdone (@OsvaldoRobles9) March 20, 2023
James’ attendance at this Magic game was also notable given what a big deal him missing Pau Gasol’s jersey retirement ceremony was.
Gasol himself bluntly addressed the matter this past week.
The question now becomes when James will return to action.
Michigan State continues to impress during this year’s NCAA Tournament. https://t.co/pTN1EGQebw
— Game 7 (@game7__) March 20, 2023
The Lakers have been reluctant to offer a clear timetable for his comeback, but the regular season is rapidly approaching its conclusion.
And it’s unclear whether L.A. will actually be able to advance beyond that point. Currently the squad is barely and desperately clinging to life at the bottom of the Western Conference, but their inconsistency leaves a lot to be desired.
“We anticipate him coming back at some point [this season],” team head coach Darvin Ham told reporters on Sunday regarding his best player.
But that was specific as it got.
Will James ultimately be able to return to the Lakers at some point before the regular season comes to an end? One way or another, an answer will emerge in the coming days.
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Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
