(Undated) -- Things seem to be trending in the right direction for LeBron James returning to the court. ESPN reports the Lakers star forward could make his return on Friday against the Celtics after missing the last two weeks with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles has stumbled without James, going 3-and-4 in the seven games he missed due to the injury. The 36-year-old is averaging 24.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game this season.