The Los Angeles Lakers had been thriving since trading for Luka Dončić, climbing all the way to the No. 2 seed in the West. But, after LeBron James suffered a left groin strain Saturday against the Boston Celtics, the Lakers are now facing a stretch where they may be down three starters.

LeBron James had 33 points and 17 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth straight game, holding off the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-102 on Thursday night.

Dwight Howard was a big reason the Lakers won the championship in the bubble back in 2020. But despite finishing ninth in Sixth Man of the Year voting that season, the eight-time All-Star was sent packing the next year.

LeBron James will decide when he will be ready to return from his groin strain, as indicated by his agent Rich Paul on ESPN.