The past week began on the highest possible note for the Los Angeles Lakers as they defeated the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors in a high-profile Christmas Day contest. The game achieved record television ratings for ESPN and ABC, and it would have represented the high point of the Lakers’ season but for one crucial factor.
In the third quarter, LeBron James stumbled, said he heard a pop and suffered a strained groin. Although an MRI revealed that he avoided a major tear, James missed the remaining three games of the week.
In his absence, the Lakers lost consecutive contests to the Sacramento Kings and Clippers before winning a rematch with Sacramento at home in a come-from-behind victory.