LeBron James is aiming to return Tuesday against the New York Knicks or Wednesday vs. the Houston Rockets, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar sat out Monday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets, and he's reportedly expected to miss the team's next three contests to nurse his right ankle injury.

James left Sunday's tilt against the Toronto Raptors after experiencing soreness. The four-time NBA Finals MVP sprained the same ankle in March and was sidelined for 20 games.

James registered 17.5 points, 7.5 boards, and 6.5 assists per contest during his two-game return, but he also averaged five turnovers.

Los Angeles enters Thursday just a half-game ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 6 seed in the West.