NBA News: Monday, March 27th, 2023

The end of the NBA regular season is fast approaching, but there are only a couple of playoff spots that have been decided. It’s been a busy year for injuries to key players from around the league, but some of those stars are making their way back to the floor. 

Even though much of the basketball focus this weekend has been on the NCAA Tournament, several NBA teams have announced some key moves. Here is a look at three of the biggest NBA news stories over the last few days that could impact the playoff race.

LeBron is Back For Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have been playing the last 13 games without superstar LeBron James, but that’s going to change on Sunday. After getting in treatment over the last few weeks, James felt good enough to make his return to the lineup. 

The injury that James has been dealing with was a tendon issue in his right foot, but tests revealed that there was no permanent structural damage. James has been testing out his foot over the last few days, and tested the foot again during pregame warmups.

The Lakers announced that James would be coming off of the bench in his return, but they did not announce a minutes restriction. Los Angeles was able to survive without James, and they actually went 8-5 during that stretch. 

Not only has Bryant missed the last 13 games, but he has now been out of the lineup 27 times this season.

Doncic Suspended, Young On the Verge

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is facing a one-game suspension from the NBA after receiving his 16th technical foul. The technical was given during a road loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, and it came after arguing a no-call.

There is a chance that the NBA could rescind the technical after review, but Doncic is expected to serve his one-game suspension on Monday night in Indiana. Doncic will have to be careful moving forward, as he will receive an automatic one-game suspension for every two technicals. 

Doncic ended the final two seasons with 15 technical fouls but was able to avoid a suspension. Trae Young could be the next superstar to receive a suspension for the number of technicals, as he currently sits at 15. 

Young got his most recent technical foul for firing a basketball at an official in a win over the Indiana Pacers.

Warriors Getting Much Needed Help

The Golden State Warriors are attempting to win another NBA Championship, and they are getting some help at the perfect time. Golden State is going to be without Andrew Wiggins for the remainder of the year, but they are also getting Gery Payton II back on the floor. 

This will be the first appearance with Golden State this year for Payton since coming over to the team before the Trade Deadline. Payton did play a key role a season ago in helping the Warriors advance through the postseason. 

The young guard has played just 15 games this season due to a right abductor injury and hasn’t played since early February.

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All Media on this page by Associated Press.