Ham: LeBron dealing with ‘severe soreness’ in ankle

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been dealing with a left ankle injury, which kept him out of Friday’s 123-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham told reporters pregame that the 39-year-old is dealing with “severe soreness,” according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“I think it’s caused by 21 years of service,” Ham added. “It’s a day-by-day thing, and we’re going to treat it as such.”

James missed the game before and after the All-Star break to receive treatment for his ailing ankle. The 20-year veteran also sat out the second half of the All-Star Game to avoid aggravating the injury.

He left Wednesday’s loss against the Sacramento Kings late in the fourth quarter with more discomfort.

“It’s just something I’ve been dealing with,” James admitted Wednesday, per McMenamin.

James leads the Lakers with averages of 25.3 points, eight assists, and 1.3 steals.

Los Angeles is 5-4 in its nine games without James this season.

The Lakers sit ninth in the Western Conference with a 35-30 record and will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

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