LeBron James Return: Update On Lakers Star's Return From High Ankle Sprain

The injury-plagued Los Angeles Lakers may have some hope on the horizon, despite growing concerns of being relegated to the new play-in tournament. LeBron James appears to be on track to return for the final stretch of the team’s regular-season schedule.

James’ first return from his high ankle sprain only lasted two games before the injury again sidelined him. A week and four missed games later, James feels great and plans to play in one of the Lakers’ next two contests, according to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes.

Los Angeles has four games left on its schedule. The Lakers will host the New York Knicks on Tuesday and Houston Rockets on Wednesday in their final two home games. The defending champions will finish the season on the road against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday and then face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

The odds are against the Lakers earning a top-six seed, likely forcing them to compete in the new play-in tournament. Teams seeded No. 7-10 will fight for the conference’s final two playoff spots.

The Lakers trail the No. 6 seed Portland Trail Blazers by one game in the standings. Portland owns the tiebreaker over Los Angeles. The Lakers are three games ahead of the No. 8 seed Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers can make the playoffs by beating the No. 8 seed in the first game of the play-in tournament.

Considering the progress of both James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers will likely be significant favorites in the first scheduled play-in game. Davis is finally performing at the superstar level he reached before suffering multiple lower-leg injuries earlier this season.

With James sidelined, Davis led the Lakers to a 123-110 win over the No. 2 seed Phoenix Suns on Sunday night. Davis' line was impressive: 42 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. In a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, Davis had 36 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

James has played in 43 games this season. Davis has only played 33 games, missing more than half the season.

The Lakers are hopeful that guard Dennis Schroder can return sometime in the regular season. Schroder has been in the league's health and safety protocols for a week.

Despite the struggles, the Lakers remain the betting favorites to win the West.