Indiana Pacers security guard Caris LeVert could return from a prolonged absence on the team’s three-game road trip starting Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeVert, who had been taken over in the four-team trade sending James Harden to the Nets and Victor Oladipo to the Rockets, had been out since a post-trade physically revealed a small mass on his kidney.
“Caris LeVert played in practice today. He’s getting closer, it won’t be long,” coach Nate Bjorkgren told reporters on Thursday. He added that there is “a chance” that LeVert could play during the road trip.
The Pacers will play against Phoenix Suns on Saturday and against Denver Nuggets on Monday.
LeVert underwent surgery in late January to treat renal cell carcinoma of his left kidney. The Pacers said at the time that no further treatment was needed.
After a strong start to the season, the Pacers have been struggling since trading Oladipo and are in dire need of a third creator behind Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis.
[LeVert] looks good. He seems ready to play to me, “Brogdon told The Indianapolis Star.” A complete game changer. He changes the reconnaissance report. Having another dynamic scorer on the floor can really help this team. “
LeVert, 26, averaged 18.5 points and 6 assists in 12 games for Brooklyn prior to the swap.