Lakers star LeBron James has not played since Nov. 2, but there is a growing optimism that he will make his return from an abdominal strain on Friday vs. the Celtics, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
James has missed each of Los Angeles' last seven games, and nine total contests on the season. The Lakers are 4–5 in games James has missed this year.
James, 36, is averaging 24.8 points, seven assists and 5.