The Los Angeles Lakers have ruled out LeBron James for Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.

During his All-Star Weekend press conference in Indianapolis on Sunday, LeBron hinted that he would miss the first game back from the break due to ankle therapy. (Minutes later, LeBron said he had no previous knowledge of the Warriors and Lakers’ alleged trade deadline talks. His absence on Thursday indicates he’ll avoid follow-up inquiries.)

“It could happen,” LeBron remarked. “It depends on the recuperation procedure. So, possibly. But we’ll see. I’m feeling fine. I didn’t want to put too much pressure on the game tonight. I want to be as healthy as possible physically. This last portion of the season is critical for us. I’ve got to make sure of that.”

LeBron played 14 minutes in the All-Star Game and scored eight points on four-of-10 shooting.

LeBron, who has missed a few games this season with “left ankle peroneal tendinopathy,” did not practice on Wednesday due to a “excused absence.”

In 49 games of his 21st season, the 39-year-old is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on 52% shooting (39.5% from three) in 34.8 minutes.

The 30-26 Lakers, presently ranked ninth in the Western Conference, are aiming for a late-season surge akin to the 16-7 post-All-Star run in 2023 that propelled them to within four games of the NBA Finals. They now lead the Warriors by 1.5 games in the standings.

The last time the Lakers and Warriors met, LeBron and Steph Curry treated basketball fans to a vintage double-overtime classic. Alas.

Also on the Lakers injury report, Max Christie and Cam Reddish are listed as questionable, while Christian Wood has been diagnosed with a knee effusion that will keep him out for at least two weeks.