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LeBron James may make return versus LA Clippers

ByRyan Snellings|
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 6: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the LA Clippers during a pre-season game on October 6, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 6: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the LA Clippers during a pre-season game on October 6, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

According to multiple reports, aLeBron James may make his long awaited return against the LA Clippers on Thursday night in a battle of Los Angeles.

LeBron James has been out for just over a month after injuring his groin in a Christmas Day match-up versus the Golden State Warriors. According to multiple reports, he will finally make his return on Thursday night when the Lakers “visit” the LA Clippers.

The game is a must win for both franchises as they strive to stay in the heavily contested Western Conference playoff picture. Currently, the Clippers sit in 8th place with a record of 28-23 while the Lakers are right behind them in 9th at 26-25.

This will be just the second of a four game series for the divisional rivals. In their first meeting, the Clippers won 118-107, led by 36 points from Lou Williams off of the bench. This game occurred just three days after James injury, so Thursday will be the first time the Clips see him first-hand in purple and yellow.

James return may be big news for the Lakers, but somehow will still be overshadowed with all the talk surrounding them and Anthony Davis. The All-Star informed the New Orleans Pelicans that he will not be signing an extension and wishes to be traded. This sent the NBA world into a frenzy, especially the Lakers.

LeBron James has already opined to play with Davis and with the Lakers’ assets, this could very easily become a reality. While no trade seems imminent, it will likely dominate the conversation any time the Lakers play for the foreseeable future.

Both teams will be coming off of rest, but this could easily be a trap game for the Lakers with a prime time game against the Warriors on the docket for Saturday. The Clippers meanwhile are hoping to bounce back after a poor performance on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks.

The recent rivalry between the two franchises has favored the Clippers, but the addition of James, puts the teams back at almost even, which should make for the next three games to be very interesting.

Update: The Lakers have ruled out LeBron for tomorrow night’s game.