Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel provided encouraging updates on the status of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony ahead of their team's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday at Crypto.com Arena. It will be the Lakers first game in 10 games.

After shootaround on Friday, Vogel said LeBron was a fully participant in team activities that morning. This is notable because LeBron — who is still dealing with knee soreness and swelling — is listed as “questionable” for the Clippers game. The 37-year old did not participate in practice on Thursday.

LeBron has played in the last five games since returning from a five-game absence after waking up with a sore knee on Jan. 27. He's averaged 29 points, 9.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists since coming back. He also hit the game-winner (and played 36 minutes) in Sunday's All-Star Game in Cleveland.

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Last week, LeBron admitted that his knee will only fully recover with extended rest, a “luxury” he doesn't have.

Carmelo Anthony, meanwhile, is expected to return to the Lakers lineup in the “Battle for LA”. He's been out since Jan. 30 with a hamstring strain. Carmelo been sorely missed by the Lakers, who have been severely lacking in forward depth and instant offense. Anthony's consistency off the bench — and from the three-point line — has been essential this season.

In 50 games this season, Carmelo is averaging 13.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game, while shooting 39.2% from the three-point line. The Lakers went 3-4 during his absence.

The Lakers (27-31) currently trail the Clippers (30-31) by 1.5 games for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture. The Lakers have lost five straight games to their co-tenant.