James missed the Lakers' last three games due to a groin strain, and his absence has put a huge strain on the team. It has lost four games in a row, even though Luka Doncic explod

This is a crucial development for the Lakers after losing four consecutive games. The Lakers have now fallen to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a 40-25 record. However, as of writing, only two games separate them from the No. 2 seed Nuggets, with Denver in action on Sunday.

Reeling with injuries, the Lakers will be without Doncic due to left calf injury management and a sprained right ankle, bringing the number of starters sidelined to four.