The Los Angeles Lakers are listing superstar LeBron James as doubtful to face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.

James didn't practice on Saturday. He's dealing with a thoracic muscle strain:

The Lakers are 24-5 on the season. They have the best record in the Western Conference.

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James hasn't missed a game this season. The four-time MVP and three-time champion is averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 10.6 assists while shooting 49.6 percent from the field, 35.6 percent from beyond the arc and 67.7 percent from the free-throw line.

After missing the playoffs last season for the first time since his second year in the league, James sat back all summer and heard all these pundits slander his name. As he always does, James took the high road and focused on what he can control.

Now, LeBron is playing like an MVP again since he’s healthy. With James and Anthony Davis leading the way, the Lakers have a great chance at winning the title this season. No one wants to see LeBron and Davis in a seven-game playoff series, although Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers may have something to say about that.

Speaking of the Clippers, the Lakers take on their LA rivals on Christmas Day. If LeBron has to sit out against Denver, it's fine as long as he plays versus the Clippers.