The Los Angeles Lakers ruled LeBron James out

On Monday morning, James was initially rated as likely. Later in the day, he was reduced to doubtful, and eventually he was declared out. The announcement came shortly after James was chosen Western Conference player of the week after his previous three games' averages of 35 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. The 66-time weekly award winner, an 18-time All-Star, has five times won it while playing with the Lakers.

The only other members of the NBA's 38,000-point club are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James, who are separated by just 35 points. Prior to their game against Denver, the Lakers had been on a tear as well, winning a season-high five straight games. With a 19-22 record, they are just one game out of tenth place. During the game on Monday, Patrick Beverley suffered a right hip injury.