PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 23: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the game on December 23, 2016 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)Sam Forencich/Getty Images

Damian Lillard Injury: Updates on Trail Blazers Star's Ankle and Return

Tim DanielsDec 23, 2016

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard had not played since he suffered a sprained left ankle in the fourth quarter of his team's 110-90 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 23.

However, he's ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Los Angeles Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell reported Lillard will start Thursday against the Lakers.

Lillard the Key to Blazers' Success

Lillard, who's steadily improved across five seasons in the NBA, took on a more prominent role last year following LaMarcus Aldridge's departure. He averaged 25.1 points and 6.8 assists per game to lead Portland to the postseason.

The 26-year-old missed seven games last season while recovering from plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He played in all 82 regular-season games in each of his first three years.

It's also worth noting Lillard rolled his left ankle twice earlier this season against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. However, neither of those scares proved serious.