The Christmas Day rematch just took a disappointing turn.
LeBron James will not play against the Warriors on Saturday night at Oracle Arena, the Lakers announced before tip-off.
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"Right now, it's more just him being sore after five weeks of not playing basketball, and it's a few days from our last game till our next one in Indy," Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters. “So when me and him spoke, it was, 'As much as you want to play, let's make sure you're making the smart decision.’
"So, he came over early, and the decision was made."
James strained his left groin when the Lakers beat the Warriors 127-101 in Oakland on Christmas. He then missed over a month of action.
On Thursday, James made his return to the floor and played 40 minutes in his first game back. He scored 24 points and added 14 rebounds and nine assists.