Injured Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James watches from the bench against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Lakers star LeBron James could return from ankle injury vs. Kings

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/30/21

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James could make his much-anticipated return to the lineup on Friday night against the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

James will test his injured ankle before tip-off and make a game-time decision. If he doesn't play, Wojnarowski says he could return as soon as Sunday against the Toronto Raptors.

James had been listed out as "out" for tonight's game, but is expected to be upgraded to "questionable," per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 30, 2021

James hasn't played since March 20 after sustaining a high-ankle sprain against the Atlanta Hawks. The Lakers are 8-13 without James this season and have lost four of their last five games.

Anthony Davis recently returned to the lineup after dealing with Achilles tendinosis and a calf strain, but he hasn't been able to find much consistency with James still sidelined.

In 24 games this season, James is averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 51.3% from the field and 36.8% from deep. He was in the MVP conversation before being injured.

L.A. began the season with a 21-6 record but now sits fifth in the Western Conference at 36-26. The Lakers have just one game in hand over the sixth-place Dallas Mavericks and a two-game lead over the seventh-place Portland Trail Blazers.

James' return to the lineup is crucial for the Lakers, who have just 10 games remaining in the regular season. As the playoffs near, the franchise will look to keep its star players healthy moving forward, which could mean sitting players once they clinch a playoff spot.

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