Lakers Rumors: LeBron James' Ankle Injury Is 'Wear and Tear' After Exit vs. Kings

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James says he did not further aggravate his lingering ankle injury after exiting in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's loss to the Sacramento Kings.

"I'll be all right," James told reporters. "It's just my ankle. It's just what I've been dealing with before the [All-Star] break, after the break. I'm just managing it the best way I can."

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported the pain is caused by "wear and tear."

James has been mostly healthy this season, though there's always going to be injury concerns surrounding the four-time NBA champion at this point in his career. He's 39 years old and in his 21st NBA season.

The four-time MVP has missed time on multiple occasions for rest and also missed a Jan. 23 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers with a sprained left ankle.

James most recently suffered an ankle injury in the All-Star Game on Feb. 18 and sat out the second half of the East vs. West matchup because of the ailment.

While there was optimism he would suit up in the Purple and Gold's first game after the All-Star break against the Golden State Warriors, he was ultimately ruled out because of the ankle injury.

James is still competing at a high level when healthy. In 56 games, he's averaging 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 8.0 assists while shooting 52.8 percent from the floor and 40.5 percent from deep.

Despite James' best efforts, the Lakers have struggled to a 34-30 record this season and sit 10th in the Western Conference in spite of winning the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.

When James is out of the lineup, the Purple and Gold turn to Anthony Davis to shoulder the scoring load. Davis has been one of the most impressive players on the court this season, though L.A. also needs the likes of Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell to step up with the veteran is sidelined.

If the Lakers hope to make a run for a playoff spot, they'll need James healthy in order to do so.