Earlier on Friday, LeBron James took to Twitter to declare himself out for the remainder of the NBA season. However, some fans were left puzzled over whether the four-time NBA champion may have been pulling a prank on April Fool’s day.
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in turmoil, but they could be handed an even bigger blow if they lose their talisman, LeBron James. The 37-year-old took to Twitter on Friday to reveal that he was officially out for the remainder of the season, putting the team’s playoff hopes in jeopardy.
James missed the last two games for the Lakers and has been struggling with an ankle injury. In the two games that James missed, the Lakers suffered defeats against the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz as they continued to sink further in the Western Conference table.
James took to Twitter and wrote, “I’m out for the season officially. See y’all in the fall.” However, several top NBA sources were quick to point out that the four-time NBA champion had indeed opted to tweet about his absence on April Fool’s Day.
Although LeBron James may have been joking about his injury update, Lakers fans were furious and took to social media to slam the 18-time All-Star. One wrote, “Doesn’t matter if you are out or not, the Lakers still won’t make the playoffs.”
Another added, “James is joking about his status on April Fool’s Day. Like the guy doesn’t even care if we make the play-ins.” A third commented, “You had to say this on April Fool’s Day. But the joke is really on you and the Lakers.”
Despite the Lakers’ torrid season, James has been the standout performer. He has been averaging 30.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this season. However, the 2020 champions have struggled to get consistent victories this season and will be hoping to improve their form as the end of the regular season draws near.
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