Los Angeles Lakers' star LeBron James will be sidelined for the team's upcoming matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night as he continues to deal with an injured left ankle. This will mark the ninth game that the 39-year-old James has missed this season, with the Lakers holding a 4-4 record in his absence.
James has been battling ankle issues throughout the season, which previously led to him sitting out games around the All-Star break. In the recent game against the Sacramento Kings, James visibly struggled with pain in his ankle and had to exit the court with four minutes remaining in the contest.
Despite downplaying the severity of the injury post-game, James' ongoing ankle problems have been a concern for the Lakers. The team has consistently listed him on the injury report, often making last-minute decisions on his availability for games. The decision to rule him out against the Bucks well in advance of the game indicates a potential worsening of his condition.
Throughout his 21st NBA season, James has been a standout performer for the Lakers, averaging 25.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game. He recently achieved a significant milestone by reaching 40,000 career points during a game against the Denver Nuggets.
With James sidelined, the Lakers will need to rely on their depth and adjust their game plan to compensate for the absence of the league's all-time leading scorer. The team will look to secure a victory against the Bucks despite missing their star player.
For more NBA news and updates, visit AP NBA.
