LeBron James ruled out of Lakers' clash with Nuggets

Sacha Pisani

LeBron James ruled out of Lakers' clash with Nuggets image

Lakers superstar LeBron James will miss the team's showdown Sunday night against the Nuggets, the Lakers confirmed.

James was in doubt for the clash due to a thoracic muscle strain suffered during Los Angeles' 105-102 loss to the Pacers on Wednesday.

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The Lakers (24-5) announced James' absence just hours before tipoff at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

James — whose first season with the Lakers was ravaged by injury in 2018-19 — is averaging 25.8 points, 10.6 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game in 2019-20.

The Lakers top the Western Conference, while the Nuggets (19-8) are third after winning five straight games.

Sacha Pisani