The Los Angeles Lakers struggled on Sunday without superstar LeBron James, who's dealing with a thoracic muscle strain and a nagging groin issue. L.A. was unable to defend its home floor at Staples Center, losing out to the Denver Nuggets, 128-104.

This was the Lakers' third straight defeat, and with Christmas Day on the horizon, the team is in store for a tough test against none other than the Los Angeles Clippers. The good news for the Lakers is that LeBron is expected to suit up for the highly anticipated matchup.

Via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:

James missed his first game of the season Sunday while dealing with a thoracic muscle strain — a pull in the rib cage area — as well as a nagging groin issue, sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst. He is listed as day-to-day by the Lakers with the Christmas game on the horizon. However, a source close to James told ESPN he expected the star to be in the lineup.

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This should be a very interesting marquee matchup between two of the best sides in the NBA today. The Lakers really could use a win amid this recent slump, which has dropped them to 24-6 on the season. The Clippers are 22-10.

It is also worth noting that the Lakers will be looking for some revenge, with the Clippers coming away with a convincing victory against them on opening night. A win for the Lakers would even out the season series at 1-1, so there's plenty on the line in this potential Western Conference Finals preview.