Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will miss his second consecutive game on Sunday against the New York Knicks due to a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis, the team announced.

This absence follows a game on Thursday where the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets, during which James sustained the elbow injury.

Lakers coach JJ Redick also confirmed that teammates Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber, who missed Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers alongside James, would be available for Sunday's matchup.

The left elbow contusion occurred late in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 120-113 loss to the Nuggets. The injury happened when James, while scoring a layup, fell to the floor after absorbing contact from Nikola Jokic.

Following the game, James described the pain, stating, "It's pretty sore right now. It felt like one of those funny bone situations, but like, super more intense."

At 41 years old and in his record-setting 23rd season, this marks the first time James has missed consecutive games since the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign, when he was sidelined for the first 14 games due to sciatica affecting his lower back and right leg.

Despite the injury setbacks, the four-time MVP continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 21.4 points on 50.4% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists.

The Lakers have managed a 12-7 record in games played without James this season, demonstrating their resilience amidst his absences.