Here is what you need to know before the Lakers “road” matchup with the LA Clippers.
1) Return of the King
The longest absence of LeBron James' career is finally over.
After missing the Lakers' last 17 games due to a left groin strain, LeBron will make his return Thursday night. While the Lakers were mostly competitive without their superstar, they took some hits in the standings, winning just six of those contests.
The Lakers started the season 20-14 with James, who is averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists. Though they remained an elite defensive team in his stead, the Lakers suffered on offense, where LeBron has generated most of L.A.'s possessions.
Kyle Kuzma will also return after missing two games with a hip strain, giving the Lakers a revamped starting five of James, Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac.
2) B.I. caught fire last game
Brandon Ingram is coming off an unprecedented performance, as the 21-year-old erupted for a career-high 36 points in Tuesday’s loss to Philadelphia.
And it wasn’t like he was chucking up shots. Ingram was at his most efficient, hitting a ridiculous 16-of-20 from the field, missing only one shot across the final three quarters.
Ingram — who didn’t even need to attempt a 3-pointer to reach his total — got to his spots at will, throwing down five dunks and hitting a seemingly endless supply of pull-up jumpers.
It’s been a fiery five-game stretch for Ingram, who has averaged 23.2 points on 64.4 percent shooting during this span.
3) This is a critical game for the standings
The Lakers could make up some much-needed ground with a win, as they sit two games behind the Clippers for eighth place in the Western Conference.
Coming off a 30-point game, Tobias Harris has ascended into all-star territory for the Clippers. He has been one of the league’s best shooters this season, and has been hyper-efficient on offense — from shooting off screens and spot-ups to working the post and pick-and-rolls.
But the Clippers’ main strength is their bench, which leads the NBA in scoring. Former Laker Lou Williams needs no introduction. While he is in a shooting slump, he’s still a foul magnet and the league’s No. 1 scorer off the bench.
And while this is technically a road game, it will be important for the Lakers to try to take advantage of their final stop in L.A. for the next three weeks. On the horizon is a five-game road trip against mostly elite teams, followed by the All-Star Break.
Injury Report
Lakers: Kyle Kuzma (left hip strain) and Josh Hart (left knee patellar tendinitis) are questionable. LeBron James (left groin strain) is doubtful. Lonzo Ball (left ankle sprain) is out. Alex Caruso and Johnathan Williams are on G League assignment.
Clippers: Avery Bradley (sore right knee) is questionable. Danilo Gallinari (low back spasms) and Luc Mbah a Moute (sore left knee) are out.
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW
Unis: Gold Icon
Location: STAPLES Center — Los Angeles, California