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.