The Warriors won't have to worry about Lakers superstar LeBron James when Los Angeles visits Chase Center on Thursday night.
The four-time NBA MVP has been ruled out of the Western Conference clash with an ankle injury -- something he hinted might happen after he was limited in the All-Star Game on Sunday in Indianapolis.
"It possibly could," James answered when asked if further treatment he was seeking for his ankle over the All-Star break would prevent him from playing in the Bay on Thursday. "Depends on the recovery process, so possibly, but we'll see."
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In James' last game against the Warriors, he finished with a 36-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double in the Lakers' 145-144 double-overtime victory at Chase Center -- an impact Golden State certainly won't miss as it looks to continue its recent hot stretch.
Additionally, Gary Payton II is questionable for the matchup with a general illness, while Chris Paul won't yet return from a left hand injury. Lakers forward Anthony Davis (Achilles/hip) is probable for the game.
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