LeBron practices but listed as 'out' Thursday

LeBron James has waited since Christmas to return to the court. He might have to wait a little longer.

The Los Angeles Lakers' star forward reported no problems after another full practice Wednesday, but the team wants to see how he feels 24 hours later before determining his status for Thursday's game at the Los Angeles Clippers. James has been out with a groin strain. "He looked good today," Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters after practice.

"He did everything that we had on the schedule. He looked good two days ago in practice (too), so we'll see how he feels (Thursday). We'll take it from there. We'll keep prepping as if he's not going to play, and hope that he's healthy enough to start." The Lakers' game notes list James as "out" for Thursday's contest, although the team is not beholden to that designation.

"It's one of those injuries he's aware of and the trainers are aware of and you don't mess around with," Walton said. "When he and the training staff feel confident that he can go full-go and not be a risk of re-hurting himself, then he'll play." James is averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in his first season in Los Angeles. The Lakers entered Wednesday in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 26-25 record -- including a 6-11 mark since James went down on Dec. 25.

The Lakers will play at the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. --Field Level Media