Lakers’ LeBron James plays against Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. —  Lakers star LeBron James will play tonight against the Trail Blazers, the team announced before the 7 o’clock game.

James, who has a groin contusion and recently recovered from a back strain, had been listed as questionable.

Coach Frank Vogel said at the team’s shoot-around on Saturday morning in Portland, and again 90 minutes before the game, that James was a game-time decision.

This groin injury is on the other side of his body from the groin tear he suffered last season. James said before shoot-around today that the pain is nowhere near what he felt at any point last season after the injury. He added that the injury didn’t alter his daily routine much.

“I mean pretty much what I usually do but I just add a little bit more amounts of treatment to the area,” James said. “Some other things to try to fast track it, improve it. It’s a pretty good couple days after the Christmas Day game.”

James has missed only one game this season. He’s averaging 25.7 points, 10.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds a game.

The Lakers (24-7) have lost four in a row entering the game. The Trail Blazers (14-18) have lost their last two games.

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