There was a trickle of optimism surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers following their 116-104 win on Monday over the Oklahoma City Thunder, who came into the game in first place in the Western Conference. That optimism quickly evaporated when they were routed on Wednesday by the Sacramento Kings, a team they’re trying to pass in the standings.
They’re in the midst of a rough stretch of their schedule that has seen them play one team after another with better records than them, including a number of championship contenders. On Friday, they will face yet another elite team when Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks visit Crypto.com Arena.
Unfortunately for L.A., LeBron James will not play due to an ailing ankle he has been dealing with for much of this season.
LeBron James has been downgraded to out Friday against the Bucks because of his sore left ankle, the Lakers announce
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 8, 2024
James exited Wednesday’s game early due to that ankle. He recently missed two other contests due to the ailment, and it is something that will have to be managed.
Via ESPN:
“A source familiar with the injury told ESPN it is a ‘wear and tear’ issue for James,” wrote Dave McMenamin.
One may presume the Lakers will definitely lose on Friday to a Bucks team that has built some momentum since the All-Star break. However, they’re 4-4 without James this season, and managed to defeat the Boston Celtics on the road without both James and Anthony Davis.