LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James is sitting outside the Los Angeles Lakers‘ meet Milwaukee Friday evening due to his left ankle injury.
James, 39, will miss his ninth game of the season when the Lakers host the Deer. Los Angeles is 4-4 without the leading scorer in NBA history.
James’ ankle bothered him throughout the season, and it forced him to miss every one of the Lakers’ games during the All-Star break. He then limped off the field in pain with about four minutes remaining. Los Angeles, 130-120 home defeat against Sacramento Wednesday evening.
James dismissed the injury after the match, saying it was “just something I was dealing with”.
James has been on the Lakers’ injury report all season, with the team typically waiting until shortly before the game to announce whether he would play that night. James was ruled out against the Bucks more than four hours before tipoff, suggesting the injury had worsened more significantly.
James was outstanding in his 21st NBA season, averaging 25.3 points, 8.0 assists and 7.1 rebounds per game. He reached 40,000 career points last weekend in a loss to Denver.
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APNBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
Greg Beacham, Associated Press
