LeBron returns for Lakers after 17-game absence

LOS ANGELES -- LeBron James has been cleared and will make his return Thursday night against the LA Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed.

James has missed 17 straight games with a groin injury he suffered on Christmas night at Golden State. He was originally listed as out but was upgraded to doubtful on Thursday morning.

The Lakers desperately missed James and went 6-11 without the star. Luke Walton's team has been hit hard by injuries. They lost James and Rajon Rondo during that Christmas win over Golden State for an extended period of time and then lost Lonzo Ball to a Grade 3 ankle sprain that will keep him out until late February at the earliest.