As long as LeBron James's injury hasn't healed, Frank Vogel is playing it safe

MDP Live - Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel will not play LeBron James if he does not fully recover from his knee injury. Vogel feels that the long-term health of LeBron is a top priority for now.

As is known, LeBron James has suffered a left knee injury since his match against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday (25/1) local time. LeBron was then rested in hopes of recovering. Unfortunately, LeBron's knee is showing worrying signs of swelling. Although there was no ligament damage or anything serious, Frank Vogel did not want to play with the condition of his flagship player.

The step taken by the Los Angeles Lakers is to repatriate LeBron first. He will receive intensive care until he is declared cured 100 percent.

"As long as the swelling is there, he will be out and we will get him back as soon as possible. We will monitor him from day to day. I think about him every day," Vogel said in an interview with local media.

"We always pay attention to the burden he carries, through constant communication with him and the medical team. We leave it to the medical staff, what they feel is the best. It's really not a matter of the head coach, it depends on the medical team." once again.

LeBron's absence is clearly very influential for the Lakers game. Currently, the team based in California is stuck in ninth place in the western conference standings with a record of 24 wins and 27 defeats.

LeBron James Returns to "carry" the Lakers to beat the Nets

MDP Live - The Los Angeles Lakers are back on winning ways. LeBron James "carried" his team to win at the Brooklyn Nets headquarters with a score of 106-96.

In the match that took place at the Barclays Center, Wednesday (26/1) afternoon WIB, the Lakers were again reinforced by Anthony Davis, who had just recovered from a knee injury. However, LeBron James is again the mainstay of the Lakers in scoring points.

The 36-year-old player scored 33 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He had help from substitutes Malik Monk who finished with 22 points, Russell Westbrook with 15 points and Carmelo Anthony who scored 13 points.

From the Nets camp, the home team has not yet been strengthened by Kevin Durant, who has not recovered from his injury, and Kyrie Irving who cannot play because he has not been injected with the vaccine.

As a result, James Harden became a mainstay in scoring. He finished with a triple-double scoring 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Harden got help from Patty Mills who made 15 points, and DeAndre Barmby who finished with 13 points.

The Lakers have dominated the game since the first quarter. James brought the Lakers lead with a score of 62-53 in the second quarter. The Nets tried to catch up through James Harden. However, Anthony threw three points to close the third quarter with a score of 92-78, the Lakers were still ahead.

Steve Nash's team tried hard to catch up. However, the Lakers ensured victory with a score of 106-96. With this victory, the Lakers managed to rank seventh after recording 24 wins and 24 defeats. Meanwhile, the Nets are in third place with 29 wins and 18 wins. The next game, the Lakers will visit the headquarters of the Philadelphia 76ers. Meanwhile, the Nets will face the Denver Nuggets.

Phoenix Suns Steady at the Top After Losing Lakers at Staples Center

MDP Live - Los Angeles Lakers again helpless against the Phoenix Suns. Without Anthony Davis, LeBron James et al had to admit the superiority of the Suns with a landslide score of 90-108.

In the match which took place at the Staples Center, Wednesday (12/22), the Lakers were still not accompanied by Frank Vogel, who was still absent because he had to quarantine in Chicago.

Without Davis, LeBron James as usual bears great responsibility. He scored 19 points in the first half, making 9 of 13 attempted shots. But LeBron does not seem to get good support from his colleagues.

While Carmelo Anthony was sent off in the third quarter. Melo protested strongly against the referee. Because, Melo feels that Jae Crowder has violated him. Melo looked frustrated when the Lakers fell behind and couldn't do much. He only scored seven points in that match.

At the end of the third quarter, the Suns managed to lead by a score of 75-73. This condition makes the team made by Monty Williams comfortable. In the fourth quarter, the advantages of Chris Paul et al were not able to be pursued by the Lakers and ended this match with a score of 108-90.

Booker became the mainstay in scoring with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Deandre Ayton had 19 points and 11 rebounds, while JaVale McGee had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

From the Lakers camp, DeAndre Jordan, who was lined up to replace Anthony Davis, was unable to dispel Ayton and McGee. LeBron finished the game with 34 points, followed by Russell Westbrook with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

This victory, made the Phoenix Suns firmly at the top of the Western Conference standings by collecting 25 wins and five defeats. While the Lakers are stuck in seventh place with a score of 16 wins and 16 defeats.