As the Los Angeles Lakers seek to win out and avoid the play-in tournament, LeBron James is set for his return Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, according to coach Frank Vogel.
James has missed the past six games to continue to recover from a high ankle sprain, but he practiced Friday and Vogel told reporters that the All-Star would play Saturday.
Vogel said Dennis Schroder, out the past seven games because of the league’s health and safety protocols, also will play against the Pacers. Alex Caruso is available as well, but Vogel said he may keep him out.
Currently the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, the Lakers can move up to at least No. 6 and avoid the play-in tournament if they win Saturday against the Pacers and Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans and if the Portland Trail Blazers lose to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this report.