(Sacramento, CA) -- The Lakers are losing LeBron James for a third time this season. Los Angeles announced Tuesday that James entered the NBA's health and safety protocols. ESPN reports James is expected to miss several games as he's expected to be sidelined for at least 10 days. However the star forward can return earlier should he test negative for COVID-19 twice within a 24-hour span. James has already missed time this season due to an abdominal injury and to a suspension. He did reveal in September that he received the COVID-19 vaccine.