Lakers star LeBron James had treatment on his ankle prior to All-Star Weekend and will continue to receive it in the days to come, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
James added that he might not be able to play against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday due to the ankle ailment.
Despite being among the league’s oldest players, he had only missed seven games this season. But the veteran missed the Lakers’ last game before the All-Star break on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz due to an ankle injury.
According to Rachel Nichols, he stated, “I won’t be playing the entire game tonight for sure,” on Sunday at his media availability. His ankle injury occurred in December, and he has been dealing with it ever since.
James, who is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game this season, will be playing in his 20th All-Star Game in 21 years.
In his meager 14 minutes of action, he contributed eight points, four rebounds, and three assists in the All-Star Game.
LeBron shared,
“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. 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.”
With a 30-26 record, the Lakers are in ninth place in the Western Conference and will be participating in the play-in round for the third time in the last four years.
James shoots 52.0% from the field, 39.5% from beyond the arc, and 74.1% from the free-throw line this season, averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists.