How concerning is LeBron James’ ankle soreness?

Lakers superstar LeBron James missed nearly six weeks with a high ankle sprain in his right ankle, and left the team’s loss against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night after his normal rotation in the fourth quarter, heading back for treatment and not returning. Multiple reports, including from The Athletic’s Shams Charania and from Lakers head coach Frank Vogel, cited “ankle soreness” as the reason LeBron left early.

Fans’ panic level was at about a 7/10.

On Monday, LeBron was ruled out for the second leg of a back to back vs. the Nuggets, with rumors that he had re-aggravated his ankle injury.

Fans’ panic level went to about a 9/10.

However, further updates from the team - via Coach Vogel - allayed any concerns over a re-aggravation or setback. However, the major question now becomes if LeBron’s ongoing ankle soreness is anything to be concerned about or it if it’s anticipated.

I explained further in this video.

While the training staff and LeBron continue to deal with the soreness, at least there’s a massive win vs. the Nuggets to lift their spirits, with the Lakers finally showing some resemblance of the effort and focus that made them champions last season. And when they safely integrate LeBron back into the roll they’re on, they’ll be on the right track to defend that title.

Dr. Rajpal Brar has a doctorate in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University, and runs his own sports medicine and performance business, 3CB Performance, in West LA and Valencia, CA. He also works at a hospital — giving him experience with patients in the immediate healthcare setting and neurological patients (post stroke, post brain injury) — and has been practicing for 1.5 years. Brar is additionally training at UCLA’s mindful awareness research center (MARC), and analyzes the Lakers from a medical perspective for Silver Screen and Roll and Laker Film Room. You can follow him on Twitter at @3cbPerformance.