LeBron James is expected to miss the Los Angeles Lakers' upcoming games this week against the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers in order to rest his injured right ankle.

The Lakers play the Clippers on Thursday and then at Portland on Friday.

James could miss more games beyond the upcoming two. James recently returned from the injury after a six-week absence, playing in home losses to the Raptors and Kings.

The Lakers are trying to avoid landing in the play-in tournament for seeds No. 7 to No. 10.