The Los Angeles Lakers’ standout forward, LeBron James, will miss Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors due to an ankle ailment, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

James missed time earlier this season due to rest and an injured left ankle sustained in January. This season, the Lakers have gone 4-3 when he is not in the lineup.
In his 21st season in the NBA, James has shown little sign of slowing down. He averages 24.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 52.0% from the field and 39.5% from three. He turned 39 on December 30, but he’s outperforming most other players in the league. Despite James’ outstanding play this season, the Lakers have been a middling club that has battled to maintain consistency. Los Angeles began the year with momentum after winning the In-Season Tournament championship, but things rapidly fell apart, and the team now ranks ninth in the Western Conference with a 30-26 record.

While James is out of the lineup, the Lakers rely on star forward Anthony Davis to lead the attack. The big man has been healthy for the majority of the season and has been one of the league’s most productive players on both sides of the court.

James’ absence will also provide extra minutes for players such as Rui Hachimura.