March 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts toward Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports (NBA News)

The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Hollywood on Friday to face off against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. There is, however, now a bit of doubt surrounding LeBron’s status for this marquee matchup after the 20-time All-Star was forced to exit Wednesday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings due to an ankle injury.

James has now opened up about the status of his ankle as he prepares to face off against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. on Friday night.

LeBron James Dealing With Ankle Injury Ahead of Milwaukee Bucks Bout

Feb 8, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday against the Kings, LeBron was seen heading to the locker room deep in the fourth quarter. After the game, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer revealed that this was brought about by a lingering ankle problem. James hinted, however, that there should be no cause for concern here:

“I’ll be all right,” James said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “It’s just my ankle. It’s just what I’ve been dealing with before the [All-Star] break, after the break. I’m just managing it the best way I can.”

Mar 2, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. James is nine points away from becoming the first NBA player to reach 40,000 points. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

It is worth noting that LeBron entered Wednesday’s game questionable to play because of the same ankle issue, but he was able to play through it. He didn’t seem bothered by it significantly as the 39-year-old finished with a 31-point, 13-assist double-double in the loss.

“I played the whole third, sat a little bit to start the fourth, and when I got back in, it kind of just — whatever,” James said. “It’s just something I’ve been dealing with.”

McMenamin reports that according to his source, “the ankle pain is simply being caused by ‘wear and tear,’” which seems to point to the notion that this isn’t a serious issue for LeBron and the Lakers.

“Some games are better than others,” James said. “I didn’t feel it at all against OKC [on Monday]. And I didn’t feel it at all until the fourth quarter tonight. So, each game, each day is different.”

Mar 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Young fan reacts after Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) scores a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports