The Lakers have gone 5-9 without their leader to slip down to ninth in the Western Conference, last losing to the Warriors in a rematch of their festive showdown.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton is also still without Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball, although Rondo is nearing his return having missed the same span of games as LeBron after right ring finger surgery.
The Lakers are set to welcome back both veterans Rondo and LeBron over the next week – although second-year point guard Lonzo will miss the next four-to-six weeks with an ankle sprain.
Having fallen outside of the playoff spots, the Lakers are desperate to get LeBron in particular back on the floor as they seek a return to the post-season for the first time in five years.
The 34-year-old has reached the playoffs for 13 straight seasons and has made the last eight NBA Finals with the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers haven’t gone into panic mode yet and with 34 games still left to play, there is still plenty of time left to climb back up the standings in the West. LA are only half a game behind Staples Center co-habitants the LA Clippers
But providing the latest injury update on LeBron, Walton has suggested the four-time MVP will miss a 15th straight game when Minnesota Timberwolves are the visitors to LA (7.30pm Thursday PST/3.30am Friday UK).
The superstar participated in drills on Wednesday, but has not yet returned to full-contact practice.
Head coach Walton said: “I haven’t seen him do contact yet, so I don’t feel as confident [as with Rondo].
“But I know you know how serious he is about his rehab. So he’s doing everything possible and we’ve talked.
“I know he’s dying to get back on the basketball court, but he also knows that getting healthy is the top priority.
“So whenever that day comes, he’ll be back out there.
“But I would say right now I feel more confident about Rondo being ready for Thursday.”
The Lakers host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday after facing Minnesota, a game in which LeBron still hopes to be involved.
Walton added: ”He’s not out yet for Sunday. I guess that puts it in play.
“With him and Rondo, it’s going to be, again, how he’s feeling tomorrow morning and take it from there and see how he’s doing the next day after that and the next day.
“When they feel ready to play, then they’ll play.”