LeBron participates in full-contact drills at practice

LeBron James participated in full-contact defensive drills at the Los Angeles Lakers' practice on Saturday, the team announced.

James has missed 15 straight games for the Lakers - the longest stretch of his career - after suffering a groin injury on Christmas Day. He started participating in practice on Jan. 20, taking part in five-on-five non-contact drills.

The 34-year-old is averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 34 games this season.

The Lakers, who sit in ninth in the Western Conference with a 25-24 record, will still be without James on Sunday when they take on the Phoenix Suns.