The LA Lakers now have to plan without LeBron James after he suffered an injury against the Boston Celtics.
LeBron James’ groin injury leaves the LA Lakers with a vacancy in the team nobody can fill. LeBron James is one-of-a-kind, and the team will be hoping his injury does not cause him to miss too much time.
The Lakers were already missing Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes, and their depth is set to be tested over the next week, when they face the Nets, Bucks, Nuggets on the road, and then the Suns and Bucks in LA
At 40-years-old, LeBron James had been playing close to a MVP level over the past couple of months. And asking any player to fill the void would be a huge ask.
And while he won’t get close to being LeBron, franchise legend James Worthy has backed Jordan Goodwin to step up.
Goodwin signed a two-way deal with the Lakers at the start of February, with Armel Traore waived.
He has played a useful role, with Worthy telling the Lakers’ post-game show on Spectrum that he likes what he has seen.
Worthy said: “I’m not sure how it’s going to happen or how it’s going to play out, but I do believe Goodwin could give them a boost.
“He’s tough. He’s another one who sticks his nose in there, he’s [got] a little bit of size and strength, he’s a little stronger than Reaves I think/
“Watch out for that, until we get Rui back or till we see what LeBron’s situation is.”
Formerly of the Wizards, Grizzlies and Suns, Goodwin has been on and off the Lakers roster this season, playing in the G League for the South Bay Lakers.
Goodwin has played in nine games for the Lakers in 2024-25, avering 6.1 points per game from the bench, including 6 in the loss at the Celtics.
He posted 17 in the win over the Jazz in February, and during the games he has played, the Lakers have a 7-2 record.
Up against the Nets next, Goodwin could get a longer run, and a chance to show why he is deserving of a contract for the playoffs.
