LeBron, AD miss critical Mavs tilt as Lakers fall out of play-in picture

The Los Angeles Lakers were without LeBron James and Anthony Davis for Tuesday's 128-110 loss to the Dallas Mavericks due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively.

Both stars were listed as doubtful prior to the announcement.

Los Angeles is trying to fight off the San Antonio Spurs for the final Western Conference play-in berth. Following the Lakers' defeat Tuesday, both teams are 31-44 on the season. However, San Antonio leapfrogged Los Angeles for 10th place due to a better conference record; the Spurs are 21-24 against the West while the Lakers are just 16-29.

James, who's experiencing ankle swelling, is also expected to miss Los Angeles' next game Thursday against the Utah Jazz, sources told TNT's Chris Haynes. Davis, meanwhile, is reportedly targeting Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans or Sunday against the Denver Nuggets for his long-awaited return.

James has now missed two of the Lakers' last three contests. He sat out Wednesday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers with a knee injury but returned for their next matchup against the Pelicans on Sunday. However, the 37-year-old turned his ankle stepping on the foot of center Jaxson Hayes in the second quarter. While James remained in the contest, he admitted the pain felt "horrible" speaking to reporters postgame.

Davis has now missed 17 consecutive games for the Lakers due to the midfoot sprain he sustained on Feb. 16. On Monday, the 29-year-old participated in his first practice with the team since suffering the injury.