LOS ANGELES — Lakers star LeBron James will not play Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of an abdominal strain that could keep him out at least a week, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
James and the Lakers are taking a "cautionary" approach with the 19-year veteran, knowing that the forward "could be out longer or could return sooner."
The Lakers announced James has a strained rectus abdominis and would be out for Thursday night's game at Staples Center.
James, who will turn 37 next month, missed two games last week because of right ankle soreness. He is second on the Lakers in scoring (24.8) and assists (7.0) and first in minutes per game (37.0) and steals (2.3).
After completing a four-game homestand against the Thunder on Thursday, the Lakers play at Portland on Saturday before returning home for a five-game homestand.
The Lakers also said center Dwight Howard, who missed the last two games with neck stiffness, has been upgraded to probable for Thursday's game. Guard Wayne Ellington, who hasn't played all season because of a left hamstring strain, also has been listed as probable.
