Lakers' LeBron James expected to return from ankle injury vs. Kings

The King has returned; almost. 

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium was first to report that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is expected to return to the lineup Friday night against the Sacramento Kings after missing more than a month of action with a high ankle sprain. James' status for Friday's matchup went from "out" to "questionable" earlier in the day and, seemingly, has only improved since then. 

The 36-year-old four-time NBA champion first suffered the setback against the Atlanta Hawks on March 20 and has been sidelined since. Without James in the lineup this season, the Lakers have won only eight of 21 contests. James, meanwhile, was averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game before his injury.

If James and/or the Lakers change course before tipoff against the Kings, he would be eligible to return for Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors.

Either with or without James, the Lakers will begin Friday's slate fifth in the Western Conference standings at 36-26, one game ahead of the Dallas Mavericks and two ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers.