Lakers star LeBron James will miss Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to left ankle tendinitis.
James nearly had a triple-double in the Lakers' 124-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday
He scored 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in 37 minutes at the United Center.
James has missed the second game in a back-to-back twice in two weeks. It also fits into the Lakers' hectic schedule after winning the inaugural NBA in-season tournament earlier this month. James said Wednesday night the schedule is taxing.
James aced the in-season tournament. Its MVP averaged 26.4 points, 8 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. He also shot nearly 57% from the field. Since beating the Indiana Pacers for the title, the Lakers have struggled
They have lost three consecutive since winning the NBA Cup and won one of their last four. That lowered them to 15-13 heading into Thursday's Minneapolis matchup.
Later this month, James will turn 39 and average 25.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists, 21st in the league. James hasn't played more than 56 games in a season since 2020 due to injury.
On Wednesday, the Timberwolves lost 127-113 to the Philadelphia 76ers, despite having the best Western Conference record (20-6).
The Lakers will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday to conclude their three-game road trip before playing the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day. Including Thursday night's game, the Lakers have six games in 11 days in 2023, including another backmatch.