LeBron James’ ankle continues to be a problem.
In Wednesday’s loss to the Kings, the Lakers star exited the game late in the fourth quarter. James was seen limping to the locker room and did not return as Los Angeles trailed by double figures.
It’s the same ankle that recently sidelined James for two straight games. The Lakers have been listing the 20-time All-Star on the injury report with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy and he was originally considered questionable to play against the Kings.
“I’ll be all right,” James said afterward. “It’s just my ankle. It’s just what I’ve been dealing with before the [All-Star] break, after the break. I’m just managing it the best way I can.”
The Lakers are currently 10th in the Western Conference standings with a 34-30 record. They are 5.5 games ahead of the Jazz in 11th place and tied with the Warriors in ninth place.
Los Angeles is back in action Friday for a matchup with Milwaukee. Will James be available to play?
MORE: Expert medical analysis on LeBron James’ ankle injury and recovery
Is LeBron James playing tonight?
James has been ruled out for Friday’s game. He was downgraded hours before tip-off.
James finished Los Angeles’ loss to Sacramento with 31 points, 13 assists and five rebounds in 36 minutes of play. When asked about his ankle after the game, James didn’t cite a specific play that caused the discomfort.
“I played the whole third, sat a little bit to start the fourth, and when I got back in, it kind of just — whatever,” he said. “It’s just something I’ve been dealing with.”
The pain James is dealing with in his ankle is caused by “wear and tear,” according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
James has appeared in 56 of LA’s first 64 games this season. Friday will mark his ninth absence. He’s averaging 25.3 points, 8.0 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 52.8 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from 3.
What channel is Lakers vs. Bucks on?
- Date: Friday, March 8
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live streaming: Sling
Friday’s matchup between the Lakers and Bucks will air on ESPN. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
What time is Lakers vs. Bucks?
- Date: Friday, March 8
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET | 7:00 p.m. PT
Lakers vs. Bucks is scheduled to tip off around 10:00 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Lakers schedule 2023-24
Here are the next five games on Los Angeles’ schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| March 8 | vs. Bucks | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 10 | vs. Timberwolves | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 13 | at Kings | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 16 | vs. Warriors | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| March 18 | vs. Hawks | 10:30 p.m. | — |
