LOS ANGELES — Lakers star LeBron James was ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Indiana Pacers because of left ankle soreness, the team announced.
Newly-acquired star Luka Doncic is also out because of a left calf strain. Doncic is targeting making his Lakers debut when L.A. hosts the Utah Jazz on Monday, a source familiar with Doncic’s plans told ESPN. Center Mark Williams, who L.A. acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in a separate deal, is listed as questionable by the Lakers.
It will be James’ fourth missed game this season. He is averaging 24.5 points on 51.6% shooting (39.1% from 3), 9.0 assists and 7.8 rebounds in this, his 22nd season. James scored a season-high 42 points on 14-for-25 shooting with 17 rebounds and eights assists in the Lakers’ win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. It was the first time James topped the 40-point plateau since turning 40 years old in December.
The Lakers have won four straight games and 10 of their last 12 to move up to No. 5 in the Western Conference standings. Indiana, which has won seven of its last 10, is No. 4 in the Eastern Conference and coming off a 119-112 win over the L.A. Clippers on Thursday.
