LeBron leaves road trip early to rehab left ankle
Monica McNutt explains why missing out on the play-in tournament might be best for the struggling Lakers. (0:47)
The Lakers star LeBron James has left the team’s road trip early to continue his ankle rehabilitation in Los Angeles, according to the team.
James was ruled out for Thursday’s game at the Utah Jazz. He has been dealing with a left ankle sprain since Sunday and didn’t play in Tuesday’s 128-110 blowout loss at the Dallas Mavericks.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is listed as doubtful for Thursday. He hasn’t played since Feb. 16, when he sustained a right midfoot sprain.
The Lakers (31-44) are fighting for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference with seven games remaining.
In Tuesday’s loss to Dallas, the Lakers trotted out their 32nd different starting lineup of the season, going with Austin Reaves, Stanley Johnson, Dwight Howard, Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook in the first five.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this report.