\n<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Lakers\u2019 star forward, LeBron James will be sidelined for Thursday\u2019s game against the Golden State Warriors due to an ankle injury.<\/p>\n
This marks another absence for James this season, who previously missed games for rest and dealt with a sprained left ankle suffered in January.<\/p>\n
The Lakers have had mixed results without him, boasting a 4-3 record when he\u2019s out of the lineup.<\/p>\n
Despite being in his 21st NBA season, James continues to defy age with his outstanding performance on the court. He\u2019s averaging 24.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.2 rebounds while maintaining impressive shooting percentages of 52 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n
Despite turning 39 in December, James remains a dominant force in the league, outperforming many younger players.<\/p>\n
However, despite James\u2019 individual brilliance, the Lakers have faced challenges this season, struggling to find consistency.<\/p>\n
Despite starting the season strongly with an In-Season Tournament Championship, the team has faltered, currently sitting ninth in the Western Conference with a 30-26 record.<\/p>\n
In James\u2019 absence, the Lakers will rely heavily on star forward Anthony Davis to lead the offense. Davis, who has been relatively healthy this season, has been a standout performer on both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n
Additionally, James\u2019 absence presents an opportunity for other players like Rui Hachimura to step up and contribute more minutes on the court.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n