Lakers rule LeBron James out vs. Spurs due to foot arthritis, right sciatica

After beginning the season on the sidelines due to that sciatica, the 41-year-old James has played in 18 games for the Lakers, averaging 21.7 points, 8.6 assists and 5.4 rebounds on 51.2 per cent shooting.

He has reached another level since the calendar flipped to the new year, averaging 29 points, 8.0 assists and 8.0 rebounds in Los Angeles’ last three games.

After Tuesday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, James was asked about playing on back-to-back nights following the game.

“Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank it right now,” James said.

Wednesday night marked only his second opportunity to play both halves of a back-to-back since making his season debut on Nov. 18. He previously sat out against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 5 after playing the night prior in Toronto.

Regardless, the Lakers will take on the Spurs — who are without Victor Wembanyama — in a battle of two top teams in the West.

Los Angeles enters the game with a 23-11 record, and San Antonio is 25-11.

You can watch the game on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+, with tip-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.