Lakers News: LeBron James Expected to Play Christmas Day vs. Clippers

There was concern that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James would have to sit out his team’s upcoming game on Christmas Day due to a nagging injury.

Luckily, a new report indicates that James will likely be able to suit up for the marquee matchup versus the Los Angeles Clippers.

“James missed his first game of the season Sunday while dealing with a thoracic muscle strain — a pull in the rib cage area — as well as a nagging groin issue, sources told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote. “He is listed as day-to-day by the Lakers with the Christmas game on the horizon. However, a source close to James told ESPN he expected the star to be in the lineup.”

This is fantastic news for not only Lakers fans, but also for NBA fans across the globe.

The matchup on Christmas Day features two of the NBA’s best teams in the Lakers and Clippers as well as some of the league’s top stars.

If James does in fact play in the game, he will of course be joined by superstar big man Anthony Davis. Together, they will look to defeat the Clippers helmed by defending Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and star forward Paul George.

James recently stated that he is against load management and will always elect to play in games if he is healthy. Given this report, it looks like he is also willing to suit up even if he is not at a full 100 percent.