LeBron James returns to Los Angeles for treatment on injured knee, out until swelling goes down, coach Frank Vogel says

ATLANTA — LeBron James has continued swelling in his left knee and is not with the Lakers for Sunday's game at the Hawks.

James is missing his third straight game. He left the team early to return to Los Angeles for treatment.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel said an MRI on James' knee revealed «general swelling.»

«As the long as the swelling is there, he's going to be out,» Vogel said.

Vogel said James could return for Wednesday night's home game against Portland if the swelling goes down.

Another Lakers All-Star, forward Anthony Davis, is starting Sunday after missing one game with right wrist soreness. Davis had the wrist taped during pregame warm-ups.

Russell Westbrook also is expected to play with a sore right knee, while guard Kendrick Nunn is out with a right knee bone bruise and guard Malik Monk was listed as probable after missing one game with soreness in his left groin.

Vogel described his long-running challenge to navigate injuries to James, Davis and others «the ever-changing environment that is our season.» The Lakers will try to end a two-game losing streak as they close out a six-game road trip.

Hawks coach Nate McMillan said guard Trae Young (right hip soreness) and forward De'Andre Hunter (right ankle discomfort) would be game-time decisions.