Lakers Injury Report: LA Superstar To Sit Out Friday’s Bucks Game

Is this a surrender?

Your 34-30 Los Angeles Lakers will be missing their team leader tonight against the 41-22 Milwaukee Bucks.

All-Star combo forward LeBron James has been ruled out of this evening's ESPN-broadcast battle with his lingering ankle injury, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

Despite Los Angeles being the host team, the Purple and Gold is now at a significant injury disadvantage (assuming Giannis Antetokounmpo plays). Only one Bucks rotation player, three-time All-Star small forward Khris Middleton, will sit out, while the Lakers are now down four of their top 10, including their No. 1 option on offense. 

James, the NBA's oldest player, has been fairly healthy for the Lakers this season, but it really should come as no surprise when he does sit out a contest or two, especially as the club gears up for the postseason.

Across 56 bouts thus far this year (out of a possible 64), the 6'9" superstar is averaging 25.3 points on .528/.405/.741 shooting splits, eight assists and 7.1 rebounds a night.

In addition to The Chosen One, Los Angeles also continues to be without reserve point guard Gabe Vincent (who's missed so many games with his left knee effusion that the Lakers felt compelled to dust veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie off the scrap heap as a buyout market signing, but he's not nearly the defender or shooter Vincent can be when healthy), reserve forward Jarred Vanderbilt, and backup big Christian Wood. Two-way center Colin Castleton is also on the shelf, though he's not exactly part of the Lake Show's rotation.

The action tips off at 7 p.m.