The Los Angeles Lakers just can’t seem to get their star players healthy at the same time. LeBron James is set to miss even more games with a knee injury, making it more difficult for L.A. to climb up the Western Conference standings.

After being sidelined for three straight games with irritation in his left knee, James will be inactive Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. James could be out a few more games, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, as the team takes a cautious approach with the veteran.

Prior to his latest injury, James was making a push to be included in the 2022 NBA MVP conversation. Averaging 29.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game for the season, James has scored at least 25 points in 18 straight contests.

James scored 33 points in 34 minutes in his last game, leading Los Angeles to a 106-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Anthony Davis returned to the court that night after missing five weeks with a knee injury of his own.

Early in the season, James missed time with various ailments. The Lakers have a 19-17 record when James plays. Without James, Los Angeles is just 5-10. L.A. has lost three straight games since beating Brooklyn.

The Lakers have championship aspirations, and they can’t win a title unless James is completely healthy for a postseason run. As James continues to miss more time, the chances that Los Angeles could fail to make the playoffs altogether are increasing.

With nearly two-thirds of the schedule complete, the Lakers are the West’s No. 9 seed with a 24-27 record. Not only is Los Angeles out of the latest playoff picture, but the team would have to win two games in the play-in tournament for a postseason berth if the season ended today.

The Lakers are one game behind the No. 8 seed Los Angeles Clippers. The No. 6 seed Dallas Mavericks are five games ahead of the Lakers in the standings.

Los Angeles will look for Davis and Russell Westbrook to carry the team in James’ absence, hoping the duo can turn their season around. Davis has scored 58 points on 24-41 shooting in his last two games. Westbrook has shot at least 50% from the field in five straight games.

The Lakers’ next three games are against the Blazers, Clippers and New York Knicks. All three teams are under .500.

On Feb. 6, the Lakers host the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks.

LeBron James
LeBron James #6 of Los Angeles Lakers reacts during action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Michelle Farsi/Getty Images
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