LeBron James Could ‘Possibly’ Miss Lakers’ First Game After All-Star Break

LeBron James could “possibly” miss the Los Angeles Lakers‘ first game after the All-Star break against the Golden State Warriors. 

LeBron is set to undergo treatment on his left ankle. 

LeBron James says the treatment he will undergo on his left ankle this week will "possibly" keep him out of the lineup for Lakers-Warriors on Thursday, after the All-Star break is over.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 19, 2024

Before the All-Star Game, LeBron talked about his left ankle injury. The 39-year-old played only 14 minutes in the All-Star Game, finishing with eight points, four rebounds and three assists. 

“Trying to get my ankle as strong and as back to where I feel confident that I can finish off this last third of the season,” LeBron said. “I won’t be playing the entire game tonight, for sure. I can get out there and run around with the young guys for a little bit and then shut it down at some point to give my body, and my ankle more importantly, another opportunity to rest.”

The Lakers are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 30-26. If the season ended today, LAL would be in the play-in tournament for the third time in four years. 

LeBron is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists this season while shooting 52.0% from the field, 39.5% from beyond the arc and 74.1% from the free-throw line. He has 16 double-doubles and three triple-doubles in 49 games. 

The Lakers are 13th in the NBA in points per game (117.0) and 18th in points per game allowed (117.1). LeBron has a plus-minus of +70 this season.

King James can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers worth $51.4 million. The 20-time All-Star said he’s “happy” being on the purple and gold. 

“I am a Laker and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” LeBron said. “But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully [it] is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization, so many greats. But we’ll see.”