The All-Star break has passed and it's time to get back to the 2023-24 regular season action.
As the Lakers gear up for a pivotal remaining stretch of the season, they will need to make up a 3.5-game deficit in the standings to avoid the Play-In Tournament and secure a top-six, guaranteed playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles entered the break on a three-game win streak and had won seven of its past 10 games. Superstar forward LeBron James missed the final game before All-Star Weekend as he nursed an ankle injury.
Will he be available for the Lakers in their marquee matchup Thursday against the Warriors on TNT? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
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Is LeBron James playing tonight vs. Warriors?
James has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Warriors with "left ankle tendinopathy," per the Lakers injury report.
This will be his second consecutive regular season absence, also missing Los Angeles' win over the Jazz on Feb. 14 ahead of the All-Star break.
LeBron James ankle injury update
James has been listed on the last two Lakers injury reports with "left ankle tendinopathy."
Even though he missed Los Angeles' final game before the break, James still managed to play 14 minutes in the All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 18.
His absence for Thursday's contest against Golden State isn't a surprise, as James told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that the treatment he would undergo on his left ankle this week could "possibly" keep him out of the lineup in the Lakers' first game back.
Los Angeles begins the homestretch of the 2023-24 season with a back-to-back, hosting Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Friday, Feb. 23. It also has a couple of other crucial matchups coming down the pipe, facing off against the Suns, Clippers and Nuggets over the next week.
There's a good chance James is just taking extra time to get his ankle right as the Lakers attempt to make a push for a top-six seed in the West.
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Lakers upcoming schedule
You can find Los Angeles' first five games out of the All-Star break below.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Feb. 22 | at Warriors | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 23 | vs. Spurs | 10:30 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 25 | at Suns | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Feb. 28 | at Clippers | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Feb. 29 | vs. Wizards | 10:30 p.m. | — |
