Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers star LeBron James a game-time decision Friday vs. Celtics

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics renew their rivalry for the first time in the 2021-2022 NBA season on Friday, but the biggest star may not join his teammates on the court.

Los Angeles is currently in ninth place in the Western Conference at 8-7, and James has been limited to just six games this season due to an abdominal strain. "King James" has missed the Lakers' last seven contests, four of which have been losses.

Overall, the Lakers are 4-2 with LBJ active and 4-5 without him.

It was reported in early November that James would miss at least one week with his injury.

The 17-time All-Star is currently averaging 24.8 points, 7.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 37.0 minutes per contest, while registering a .467/.347/.783 shooting line.

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