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.

Former NBA star Dwight Howard did not resign with the Lakers after he helped the franchise win a title, and he claims one of his ex-teammates is responsible.

Does LeBron James truly control his teammates’ careers? As fans will agree, James is considered one of the greatest players in the league’s history. His presence and influence alone have an impact that other players cannot hope to compare against.

Jonathan Kuminga is poised to return on Thursday after 31 games missed with an ankle sprain. Now — finally — the Warriors’ extraordinary experiment can begin. Golden State has one month — 17 games — remaining in the regular season to re-integrate Kuminga, who possesses the talent to take this team to another level.

Steve Kerr presented his plan for Jonathan Kuminga’s impending return to play Thursday for the Golden State Warriors. “Win the game,” their head coach said Wednesday after practice at Chase Center. “You never know how these games go,