LeBron James inches closer to return after participating in full contact defensive drills

The Los Angels Lakers finally got some decent news Saturday. With the team in the midst of a three-game losing streak, and injuries piling up, star LeBron James was able to return to full contact defensive drills during practice.

The 34-year-old has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, but James’ progress is still encouraging. It’s the first time since James injured his groin on Christmas Day that he’s been able to take part in those drills.

James did not participate in the team’s scrimmage Saturday, so that will be the next step in his recovery. He’s missed the team’s last 15 games due to the injury. The Lakers have gone 5-10 in those games.

The team’s recent struggles have caused the Lakers to plummet to the ninth seed in the Western Conference. While there’s pressure on James to return, the team needs to make sure he’s at 100 percent before letting him come back.

Based on how things have gone lately, the Lakers can’t afford to lose James for an extended period again.

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