LeBron James “hopes” to return for Lakers-Celtics on Friday

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, without their superstar LeBron James. James is working on his return from an abdominal injury that sidelined him for the last eight games.

After the Lakers’ 109-102 loss to Milwaukee, James told ESPN he “hopes” to be ready on Friday as LA visits Boston (7:30 am ET on ESPN) for their second clash in a five-game road trip.

Asked LeBron James as he stepped out of the arena tonight if Friday in Boston would be the day he returned to the lineup: “I hope, I hope,” he said.

– Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 18, 2021

The Lakers are now 4-6 since the superstar’s absence but remain optimistic he will be ready to go soon. Ahead of Wednesday’s game, James took to the field with assistant coach Phil Handy for his pre-game routine despite his absence.

LeBron James remains out against Milwaukee but begins his pre-game work with Phil Handy. This will mark the eighth game in a row that James has missed since November 2 pic.twitter.com/NZ88L33lD6

– Bill Oram (@billoram) November 17, 2021

The four-time MVP has only appeared in six games for the Lakers this season, averaging 24.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7 assists.

While there is a “50-50” chance that James will make his comeback on Friday as the Lakers face the Celtics in one of the most famous rivalry clashes in sports, Los Angeles will continue to depend on the release of their two other superstars at Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook will rebound from Wednesday’s loss.