LeBron James out vs. Bucks due to ankle injury

May 8, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts in the first half during game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been ruled out of Friday’s home game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to his injured left ankle.

James was initially listed as questionable for the game. He was injured late in Wednesday’s 130-120 to the Sacramento Kings. James scored 31 points against the Kings.

It will mark the ninth game that James has missed this season.

James, 39, recently became the first player in NBA history to top 40,000 career points. He is averaging 25.3 points, 8.0 assists and 7.1 rebounds this season.

The Lakers have split the first four contests of a six-game homestand. They enter Friday’s play in a virtual tie with the Golden State Warriors for the last two play-in spots in the Western Conference.

The Bucks are in second place in the Eastern Conference by a half-game over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Milwaukee guard Damian Lillard (bruised rib) is questionable for Friday’s game, while forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (Achilles) is probable.

–Field Level Media/ Reuters