Despite still dealing with the effects of the flu, LeBron James will play Thursday night when the Miami Heat host the Los Angeles Lakers.  

The Heat made the announcement via their official Twitter account two hours prior to tipoff.

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Earlier in the day, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra sent James home during the team's shoot-around to get some rest and fluids. James hasn't felt 100 percent since Miami ended a five-game road trip. The Heat finished that trip with three straight losses on the West Coast. 

James managed to overcome the illness to score a game-high 33 points in Tuesday's comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs. 

Miami will need him against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. The Heat will be without Dwyane Wade, who is out again with a sprained right ankle.

The Heat will have the services of center Eddy Curry. This will be his first game all year.

The Heat come into Thursday's game with a 9-4 record. The Lakers are 10-5.

First tip at the AAA is set for 8 p.m.