Embiid defiant after Westbrook says ‘go home’

LeBron James has been out since February 26th with a tendon injury in his foot. The next official update from the Lakers is expected next week, but it is not expected to be one where he is close to returning.

“From what I’ve heard on LeBron, he is not close,” said Brian Windhorst on his podcast. “That’s what I’ve been told. He’s not close.”

The Lakers are 5-4 since James was injured.

“LeBron is not close to returning from what I’m told. I know everybody said the three weeks, but I think it was very clear three weeks is when he will get an official reevaluation. It didn’t mean he was coming back in three weeks.”

Windhorst added that this injury may not be one where he can play through.

The sale of the Phoenix Suns to Mat Ishbia is expected to become official within the next two weeks with the new owner assuming control ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

The NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to ratify the Ishbia purchase with a vote in early February.

Ishbia is buying a majority stake in the Suns at a $4 billion evaluation.

Even though Robert Sarver is suspended, he still retained the authority over the signing, acquisition or trade of any player with a salary in excess of the league-wide average player salary.

One pressing issue for the Suns is the trade of Jae Crowder. With Ishbia assuming control, that deal could be easier for the Suns to execute.

Ishbia is expected to be a hands-on owner in matters of team building.