The Lakers are already bracing to be without James for this week's back-to-back contests against the Bucks and Nuggets.

Rich Paul, James' agent, said during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he won't put a timetable on James' return, although an initial report indicated that the superstar is expected to miss at least a week or two of action (h/t Lakers Nation).

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without their superstar forward, LeBron James, for the next week or two. At least, that is the expectation for the 40-year-old.

Rich Paul discusses the timeline for LeBron James' return from injury. Find out more about James and his recovery process.

LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith have been in an ongoing feud for the last week or so, stemming from comments the ESPN host made about Bronny James and LeBron as a father. James approached Smith during a Los Angeles Lakers game and appeared to tell him to stop talking about him and Bronny the way he has been.

The Lakers, who fell to 40-23, can't afford to spiral without James, who's reportedly out for one to two weeks due to a groin strain. The four-time MVP's agent, Rich Paul, however, issued a gloomier outlook.

James strained his groin midway through the fourth quarter and was not able to return despite the Lakers making a run. While he wasn’t concerned it will be a long-term injury, the expectation is still that he will miss at least a week or two.