Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is doubtful to play on Sunday night against the Denver Nuggets due to a thoracic muscle strain in his rib cage area.

But James–who earlier this week said that he does not believe in load management–is also reportedly dealing with a groin injury, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN:

James first sustained the injury, a pull in the rib cage area, against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday and played through it during Thursday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. James didn't require an MRI, but this is a significant issue and not just a load management situation, sources told ESPN.

Earlier this week, James said he didn't plan to miss any games this season for rest. James has also been dealing with a nagging groin issue recently, sources said. Last season a groin strain on Christmas Day derailed James and the Lakers' season.

LeBron recorded a triple-double against the Bucks on Thursday, but he seemed a bit lifeless at times and also committed a number of late turnovers that halted any chance of a Laker comeback.

The Lakers were extremely cautious with James last season after he missed extensive time due to a strained left groin, eventually holding him out of the final month.

Recently, James has been insistent that he will not take any games off and play whenever he feels healthy enough. But this lingering groin injury could be cause for some concern, especially considering that last season marked the first time that LeBron was forced to take a long absence.

Los Angeles can certainly afford to give him a game here and there. They enter Sunday's matchup with the Nuggets at 24-5, good enough for first place in the Western Conference.