Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is done for the season. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James out Lakers' final two games with ankle injury

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/8/22

LeBron James' 2021-2022 season has officially come to a premature close.

LeBron James’ left ankle was recently reevaluated by Lakers medical staff, and it was determined that due to the ankle sprain James suffered in a game on March 27th, he will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 NBA season to allow for continued healing and an expected full recovery.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 8, 2022

It was heavily speculated and reported that the NBA's second all-time leading scorer's season was over earlier this week, once the Lakers had been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. James ends his 19th NBA season with averages of 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks and 37.2 minutes per contest over 56 games.

"LBJ" currently trails only Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid in scoring, who enters Friday at 30.4 points per game.

Not only was it reported on Thursday that one of James' sidekicks this season (Russell Westbrook) was being targeted by the Charlotte Hornets for next season, but Westbrook and Anthony Davis were also ruled out for the team's loss the Golden State Warriors. It would likely surprise most if Westbrook or Davis suited up again in either of the final two Lakers contests this season.

More must-reads: