Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has pushed his return to the lineup back again. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers' LeBron James out Wednesday vs. Rockets to rest ankle

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/12/21

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has pushed his return to the lineup back again.

The four-time NBA champion confirmed via Twitter that he won't play Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets as he continues to rest the ankle that's been bothering him since March 20:

Getting close but I won’t be in the lineup tonight but more importantly I will be there to put that CHAMPIONSHIP banner in the rafters at Staples Center in front of our fans!! #No17
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 12, 2021

James missed six weeks with a high-ankle sprain he suffered in March and then aggravated the injury during his second game back on May 2 and has been sidelined since that setback. He originally was on track to play Tuesday versus the New York Knicks but instead elected to rest the ankle and target Wednesday's contest against Houston for his return.

The Lakers defeated the Knicks in overtime to improve to 39-30 on the season but remain in seventh place in the Western Conference standings and one game behind both the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers in the competition to avoid the play-in tournament.

Los Angeles would take on the Golden State Warriors in a 7-8 play-in matchup if that tournament began Wednesday night. The Lakers end their regular-season schedule with games at the Indiana Pacers on Saturday and at the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

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