LeBron James Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Suns vs L.A. Lakers game on Oct 3, 2025 with our National Basketball Association injury report.Jun 29, 2025
Exercises player option Sunday
James exercised his $52.63 million player option with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season Sunday, Shams Charania of ESPN.
ANALYSIS
James will return for a record-setting 23rd NBA campaign as the Lakers aim to balance building for the future while staying in title contention. The four-time MVP continued to perform at an extremely high level last season, during which he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 34.9 minutes per game in 70 regular-season appearances.
Apr 12, 2025
Not playing Sunday
James (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Portland, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
With the Lakers locked in as the third seed in the West, James will join several other rotational players on the sidelines for Sunday's regular-season finale. Jordan Goodwin (foot), Markieff Morris and Dalton Knecht should all see a significant amount of playing due to the multiple absences on the Lakers.
Apr 12, 2025
Limited to 22 minutes Friday
James finished with 14 points (6-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 22 minutes during Friday's 140-109 win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James logged one of his lowest minutes totals of the season, though that was mainly due to the blowout nature of the game, as the Lakers have locked up a playoff berth and will need James at his best to make a deep playoff run. James' numbers in recent weeks haven't been very impressive, though, though that can be explained by the high usage rate of Luka Doncic and the rise of Austin Reaves as a reliable offensive weapon. James is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game over his last 10 appearances.
Apr 11, 2025
Cleared to play Houston
James (groin) is available for Friday's game against the Rockets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to work through a groin strain that caused him to miss seven games in March, and he's been given the green light to play in Friday's contest. James has played in the Lakers' last 11 games and has averaged 22.4 points, 6.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals over 36.3 minutes per game over that span.
Apr 10, 2025
Likely to play vs. Houston
James (groin) has been listed as probable for Friday's game against the Rockets, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is trending toward being on the floor Friday despite managing his groin injury. The Lakers appear to be going for the win against Houston, with Maxi Kleber (foot) being the only player ruled out for the game as of Thursday.
Apr 9, 2025
Scores 27 points in victory
James chipped in 27 points (11-20 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and one steal across 36 minutes during Wednesday's 112-97 win over the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
James' three assists Wednesday matched a season low, but he scored at least 20 points for the fourth time in his last five outings. Over his last 11 games following an extended absence with a groin strain, the future Hall of Famer has averaged 22.4 points, 6.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 three-pointers in 36.3 minutes.
Apr 8, 2025
Good to go against OKC
James (groin) is available for Tuesday's game versus the Thunder, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available Tuesday despite dealing with a left groin strain. The superstar forward tallied 19 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal in 34 minutes during the Lakers' previous matchup with Oklahoma City on Sunday.
Apr 8, 2025
Upgraded to probable
James has been upgraded to probable for Tuesday's game against the Thunder due to a left groin strain, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Initially listed as questionable to play Tuesday, James is now expected to play on the front end of the Lakers' back-to-back set. Confirmation on the superstar forward's status should come closer to tipoff, but fantasy managers can anticipate having him available against Oklahoma City. Over his last nine contests, James has averaged 21.2 points, 7.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 36.4 minutes.
Apr 7, 2025
Listed questionable for Tuesday
James is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Thunder due to a groin strain, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers could opt to hold James out of action Tuesday, with the contest being the first half of a back-to-back set. Luka Doncic (groin) and Austin Reaves (ankle) are also questionable, leaving the team in serious danger of missing each of their top scoring options. James has averaged 21.2 points, 7.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 36.4 minutes across his last nine games.
Apr 6, 2025
Good to go Sunday
James (groin) is available for Sunday's game against the Thunder, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to list James on the injury report due to a left groin strain, though he hasn't missed a game since March 20. Over his last five outings, the superstar has averaged 23.6 points, 8.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 three-pointers and 2.0 steals across 37.4 minutes per contest.
Apr 5, 2025
Likely to play vs. OKC
James (groin) has been listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Thunder, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After coming two assists shy of a double-double in Friday's game against the Pelicans, James is trending toward playing Sunday in Oklahoma City despite managing a groin injury. The superstar forward has averaged 21.5 points. 6.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game, shooting 47.3 percent from the floor and 32.4 percent from beyond the arc over his last eight games.
Apr 5, 2025
Pours in 27 points
James produced 27 points (9-17 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 7-8 FT), eight assists and two steals over 33 minutes during Friday's 124-108 victory over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
After a tepid week by James's standards, he followed up a solid 33-point effort against the Warriors with another high total. Although James deserves some time off, the Lakers are trying to fend off the Nuggets and Warriors to keep the third seed. It may not matter much if the Lakers drop a few games over the next week, but their record over the next couple of games will determine James' status before the playoffs.
Apr 4, 2025
Will suit up Friday
James (groin) is available for Friday's game against the Pelicans, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the injury report of late due to a left groin strain, though he'll suit up in his eighth consecutive contest Friday. Over his last seven outings, the superstar has averaged 20.7 points, 7.3 assists, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.3 three-pointers across 37.3 minutes per contest.
Apr 4, 2025
Probable to face New Orleans
James (groin) is probable for Friday's game against the Pelicans, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the injury report due to the left groin strain, though he's expected to suit up for his eighth consecutive contest Friday. The superstar delivered an impressive performance in the first half of the club's back-to-back set during Thursday's 123-116 loss to the Warriors, recording 33 points (10-15 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 8-9 FT), nine assists, five rebounds, one block and one steal across 40 minutes. James has averaged 20.8 points, 8.0 assists, 7.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.8 three-pointers and 0.8 blocks across 38.4 minutes per game in his last five outings.
Apr 4, 2025
Scores team-high 33 points in loss
James ended with 33 points (10-15 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 8-9 FT), five rebounds, nine assists, one block and one steal across 40 minutes during Thursday's 123-116 loss to the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James was again able to play through his pesky groin injury, bouncing back from a mediocre 16-point showing in a 109-105 loss to the Suns. James has averaged 20.7 points, 7.3 assists and 7.0 rebounds since returning from a seven-game absence, and his results over the span have paled in comparison to Luka Doncic's recent production. Austin Reaves' excellent play has siphoned some production from James as well. The team has a back-to-back coming up next week, and a couple of wins in the meantime could earn James some much-needed pre-playoff rest.
Apr 3, 2025
Available to play Thursday
James (groin) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Warriors, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was added to the injury report yet again as probable due to a groin injury, and he's since been given the green light to play. He turned in a huge performance in his last appearance against Golden State on Feb. 6, finishing with 42 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists, one block and one steal in 38 minutes.
Apr 2, 2025
Likely to play vs. Golden State
James (groin) has been listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James continues to nurse a groin injury, which has kept him on the injury report on a daily basis for the Lakers. However, he's trending toward playing in Thursday's game against the Warriors. The superstar forward has averaged 18.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game, shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 22.7 percent from beyond the arc since returning from a seven-game absence due to the groin injury.
Mar 31, 2025
Getting green light Monday
James (groin) is listed as available for Monday's game against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will suit up in his sixth consecutive contest following a seven-game absence due to a left groin strain. Over his last five outings, James has averaged 19.2 points, 7.6 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 36.6 minutes per contest. The superstar has shot 43.7 percent from the field and only 16.7 percent from beyond the arc in that five-game span.
Mar 30, 2025
Likely to play Monday
James is probable for Monday's game against the Rockets due to a left groin strain.
ANALYSIS
James has appeared in five straight contests while dealing with a left groin strain, a trend that will likely continue Monday. In those five games, James has seen a slight dip in offensive production, averaging 19.2 points, 7.6 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 36.6 minutes per contest.
Mar 30, 2025
Full stat line in win
James racked up 25 points (10-21 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight assists, six rebounds, three steals and one block in 37 minutes during Saturday's 134-127 win over Memphis.
ANALYSIS
James stuffed the stat sheet and posted a game-high three steals, marking his 14th outing with multiple swipes on the season. Entering Saturday, the superstar had shot only 7.7 percent from downtown over his last over four games, though he was much more productive from beyond the arc against Memphis. James has appeared in five consecutive matchups following a seven-game absence due to a left groin strain, during which he has averaged 19.2 points, 7.6 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals across 36.6 minutes per contest.
Mar 28, 2025
Double-doubles in loss
James notched 17 points (8-20 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, 12 assists and two steals in 39 minutes during Thursday's 119-117 loss to the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
James racked up his 32nd double-double of the season, but he won't be happy with his performance -- he had a lapse in defensive coverage in the final seconds which allowed a wide-open three-pointer for Coby White, followed by a turnover on an errant inbounds pass.
Mar 27, 2025
Plays hero with near triple-double
James accumulated 13 points (4-12 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 13 rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 38 minutes during Wednesday's 120-119 win over the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
The 40-year-old forward struggled to get his shot to drop early, but James tipped home the game-winning bucket at the buzzer to wrap up his 31st double-double of the season, his highest total in that category since 2019-20. In three contests since returning from a groin strain that cost him seven games, James has averaged 18.0 points, 8.3 boards, 6.0 assists and 1.3 steals, but he may not be fully healthy yet as he's shooting just 43.5 percent from the floor.
Mar 26, 2025
Will play against Indiana
James (groin) has been Jovan Buha of The Athletic in Thursday's game against the Pacers, Buha reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to nurse a groin injury, but that won't keep him off the floor on the road in Indiana. The superstar forward is averaging 24.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game, shooting 51.6 percent from the floor and 38.1 percent from deep.
Mar 25, 2025
Expected to play against Indiana
James is listed as probable for Wednesday's game versus the Pacers due to a left groin strain, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to make his third straight appearance Wednesday despite continuing to deal with a left groin strain. The superstar forward logged 38 minutes of action in his most recent outing.
Mar 25, 2025
Well-rounded outing in loss
James finished with 24 points (9-18 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven assists and six rebounds over 38 minutes during Monday's 118-106 loss to Orlando.
ANALYSIS
The superstar finished as the Lakers' second-leading scorer behind Luka Doncic (32 points) in the loss. James saw a fairly significant bump in his playing time during his second matchup back from a seven-game absence due to a left groin strain. However, the 40-year-old failed to hit a three-pointer for just the ninth time on the season. The Lakers will likely continue to manage James' playing time ahead of the playoffs, especially during back-to-back sets.
Mar 24, 2025
Good to go Monday
James (groin) is available for Monday's game against the Magic, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up in his second consecutive contest following a seven-game absence due to a left groin strain. The superstar was able to play 31 minutes during his return in Saturday's loss to the Bulls, recording 17 points (7-16 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-5 FT), six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Over five appearances during March, James has averaged 24.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals across 35.6 minutes per contest.
Mar 23, 2025
Expected to play Monday
James (groin) is probable for Monday's game against the Magic, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Following a seven-game absence, James returned to action Saturday but wasn't sharp, posting 17 points (7-16 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-5 FT), six rebounds, four assists, five turnovers and three steals across 31 minutes during a 146-115 loss to the Bulls. Despite the rust, it looks like James emerged from the contest without suffering a setback and will return to action Monday, though the Lakers do have a back-to-back during their upcoming four-game road trip -- Wednesday in Indiana and Thursday in Chicago.
Mar 23, 2025
Struggles to find form in return
James (groin) tallied 17 points (7-16 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-5 FT), six rebounds, four assists and three steals across 31 minutes in Saturday's 146-115 loss to the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
For one of the few occasions since acquiring Luka Doncic on Feb. 2, the Lakers had all of their core rotation players available with James and Rui Hachimura (knee) returning from seven- and 12-game absences, respectively. Hachimura (18 minutes) handled a limited role while coming off the bench, but James didn't seem to face any playing-time restrictions in his return. However, James clearly wasn't at his best in his first appearance since straining his left groin in a March 8 loss to the Celtics, as he struggled from the free-throw line and finished with more turnovers (five) than assists (four). Despite getting quality performances from Luka Doncic (34 points) and Austin Reaves (25 points), the Lakers couldn't keep pace with a Bulls squad that shot 58.3 percent from the field and 46.3 percent from three-point range, resulting in Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick conceding defeat early and pulling James and the team's other starters with 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. James could see his playing time cr
Mar 22, 2025
Will return to action Saturday
James (groin) has been cleared to play in Saturday's game against the Bulls, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James will return to the floor for the Lakers on Saturday after a seven-game absence due to a groin injury. The superstar is averaging 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game, shooting 51.7 percent from the floor and 38.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Mar 21, 2025
Questionable to face Chicago
James (groin) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Bulls, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James is questionable to snap a seven-game absence streak due to a left groin strain. However, head coach JJ Redick said Thursday that he's hopeful the superstar will suit up, per Mark Medina of TheSportingTribune.com. If James remains on the shelf, Dalton Knecht and Jordan Goodwin will likely continue to receive a bump in minutes.
Mar 20, 2025
Hoping to play Saturday
The Lakers are hopeful that James (groin) will be cleared to play Saturday against the Bucks, Mark Medina of TheSportingTribune.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James took part in a pre-game workout Thursday and must have looked sharp to warrant this comment from head coach JJ Redick. The medical staff will presumably keep a close eye on how James bounces back from Thursday's workout, but assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks, the star forward should be in a position to suit up Saturday.
Mar 16, 2025
Expected to miss one more week
Shams Charania of ESPN said Saturday on The Pat McAfee Show that James (groin) will miss at least one more week.
ANALYSIS
James is set to miss his fourth consecutive contest during Sunday's game against Phoenix, and his next chance to play will come Saturday against the Bulls at the very earliest. With the superstar sidelined, Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Dalton Knecht will likely receive an uptick in playing time. James has averaged 26.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks across 36.8 minutes per game in his last five outings.
Mar 15, 2025
Not returning Sunday
James (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Phoenix.
ANALYSIS
James will miss a fourth straight game due to a left groin strain. He's considered day-to-day with the injury now that the Lakers' road trip has wrapped up, and while James will miss the first leg of the team's back-to-back set Sunday, he'll have a chance at returning Monday against the Spurs. Luka Doncic (calf) and Austin Reaves will continue to run the Lakers' offense in James' absence.
Mar 13, 2025
Day-to-day following road trip
Head coach JJ Redick said that James (groin), who has already been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Bucks and Friday's matchup against the Nuggets, will be considered day-to-day moving forward, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James' absence streak will extend to three outings following Friday's matchup while he deals with a left groin strain. However, the superstar has a chance to make his return to game action against Phoenix on Sunday. Until then, Dalton Knecht, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jordan Goodwin are candidates for an uptick in playing time. James has made 10 appearances since the All-Star break, averaging 28.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals across 36.5 minutes per contest.
Mar 9, 2025
Expected to miss 1-2 weeks
James is expected to miss at least 1-to-2 weeks due to a groin strain, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
This coincides with what Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reported Saturday night, but Charania also revealed that James will wait for the injury to calm down over the next 24 hours before receiving another evaluation. McMenamin relayed that James could be sidelined for "weeks, not days," and coach JJ Redick said there's "obvious concern" about the forward's availability moving forward. James suffered the injury midway through the fourth quarter of Saturday's game and finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists across 35 minutes. Boston snapped the Lakers' eight-game winning streak, and now the hottest team in the NBA since the Luka Doncic trade could be in trouble. The Lakers may get Rui Hachimura (knee) back soon, which should help mitigate James' absence, while Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will run the show on offense. Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent and possibly Cam Reddish are also candidates for more minutes
Mar 8, 2025
Could miss several weeks
James (groin) could be sidelined for "weeks, not days" due to the injury sustained against the Celtics on Saturday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach JJ Redick said there's "obvious concern" with James' injury, and this report doesn't paint a bright picture. It's uncertain how long he'll be sidelined, and a more accurate timeline will be provided once the Lakers' medical staff examines him. However, this is not a good omen for the Lakers, with the playoffs only a few weeks away. James posted 22 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists across 35 minutes in the loss to the Celtics. If he's forced to miss extended time, then Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent and possibly Cam Reddish could be in line to see more minutes, as the Lakers are also missing Rui Hachimura (knee) and Jaxson Hayes (knee) due to injuries.
Mar 8, 2025
Heads to locker room Saturday
James headed to the locker room during the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against the Celtics due to an apparent leg injury, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James walked back to the locker room with 6:44 left in the game, and there are no signs of him returning to the court any time soon. The Lakers and Celtics are engaged in a close battle in the final minutes of the contest, and it's uncertain whether James will be able to return before the end of the game. At the time of his departure, he had posted 22 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists across 35 minutes.
Mar 8, 2025
Cleared to play Saturday
James (foot) has been cleared to play in Saturday's game against the Celtics, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to manage a left foot injury and will play Saturday against the Celtics in Boston. The four-time NBA champion is averaging 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game while shooting 51.8 percent from the floor and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc this season for the Lakers.
Mar 7, 2025
Expected to play against Boston
James (foot) is listed as probable for Saturday's game versus the Celtics, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to receive probable tags due to a nagging foot issue but hasn't missed a game since Feb. 8. In the superstar forward's 11 outings since then, he has displayed impressive efficiency, posting 52.8/39.0/82.5 shooting splits.
Mar 7, 2025
Double-doubles in victory Thursday
James finished with 31 points (11-23 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 12 rebounds, eight assists and one block across 44 minutes during Thursday's 113-109 overtime victory over New York.
ANALYSIS
James led the Lakers in rebounds and stuffed the stat sheet Thursday, racking up 30-plus points for the 16th time through 57 regular-season appearances. The superstar forward recorded his fifth double-double across nine outings since the All-Star break, marking his 29th outing with a double-double or better this season. Over that nine-game span, James has averaged 29.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals in 36.8 minutes per game.
Mar 6, 2025
Good to go Thursday
James (foot) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Knicks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will be a full go for Thursday's matchup after being listed as probable on the team's injury report. He's fresh off a 34-point performance Tuesday against the Pelicans and has reached the 30-point threshold in two of his last four appearances.
Mar 5, 2025
Probable to play Thursday
James (foot) has been listed as probable to play in Thursday's game against the Knicks, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been managing his left foot injury for quite some time, but that likely won't keep him off the floor for Thursday's game against New York. The superstar forward filled up the stat sheet in Tuesday's win against the Pelicans, finishing with 34 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and two blocks.
Mar 4, 2025
Gets green light Tuesday
James (foot) is available for Tuesday's game against New Orleans, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the injury report due to left foot injury management, though he hasn't missed an outing since Feb. 8. In seven outings following the All-Star break, James has averaged 28.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.6 three-pointers, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks across 36.3 minutes per contest. He has shot 53.2 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from downtown over that seven-game span.
Mar 3, 2025
Expected to play Tuesday
James (foot) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to monitor James' left foot, but the perennial All-Star forward is expected to be ready to play for Tuesday. Over seven games since the All-Star break, James has averaged 28.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 36.3 minutes.
Mar 3, 2025
Just misses double-double Sunday
James posted 17 points (6-17 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, nine assists, one block and two steals in 36 minutes during Sunday's 108-102 win over the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
He just missed producing his fourth straight double-double, as James tied Luka Doncic for the team lead in assists while taking a back seat to his new teammate's team-high 29 points. It was James' lowest scoring output since Dec. 2, snapping a streak of six straight games with at least 25 points in which the future Hall of Famer had averaged 29.8 points, 11.0 boards, 5.3 assists, 2.8 threes, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks.
Mar 2, 2025
Will play Sunday
James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Clippers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will make his ninth straight appearance despite a lingering foot injury. He has averaged 27.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 35.1 minutes per contest over that stretch.
Mar 2, 2025
Probable against Clippers
James (foot) is probable for Sunday's game against the Clippers, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
It appears James is trending toward playing, as he is now listed as probable after originally being deemed questionable. Since returning from the All-Star break, James holds averages of 29.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks in 36.3 minutes per game across six appearances.
Mar 1, 2025
Questionable to play Sunday
James is questionable for Sunday's game against the Clippers due to foot injury management, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's not a surprise to see James in the injury report, as the star forward has been a regular name in the report for quite some time now. Even though a decision on his status will be made closer to Sunday's 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff, he's likely to suit up and handle his regular workload if he doesn't experience any setbacks. He's averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game since the beginning of January.
Mar 1, 2025
Racks up double-double in victory
James posted 28 points (12-21 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Friday's 106-102 win over the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
Amid injury struggles elsewhere, James and Luka Doncic led the way in part one of a two-game set against the Clippers. The Lakers will be without Rui Hachimura (knee) and potentially Austin Reaves (calf) for Sunday's rematch, so all signs point toward another evening of high production for the star-studded duo.
Feb 28, 2025
Good to go against Clips
James (foot) is available for Friday's game against the Clippers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was upgraded from questionable to probable for Friday's game, and he has been given the green light to play, along with Luka Doncic (calf) and Jaxson Hayes (hip). James has averaged 29.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals over 35.0 minutes per game in February.
Feb 28, 2025
Upgraded to probable Friday
James (foot) has been upgraded to probable for Friday's game against the Clippers, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to work through a left foot injury. He was initially listed as questionable for the Lakers' second game of a back-to-back set Friday, but it appears he is on track to play. James has averaged 30.2 points on 55.3 percent shooting (including 41.7 percent from three on 7.2 3PA/G), 10.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals over 36.2 minutes per game over his last five outings.
Feb 28, 2025
Questionable to face LAC
James (foot) is questionable for Friday's matchup against the Clippers, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to include James on the injury report due to left foot injury management, though he has been downgraded to questionable on the second night of a back-to-back set. If the veteran superstar or Luka Doncic (calf) join Rui Hachimura (knee) on the shelf, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dalton Knecht and Jordan Goodwin are candidates for a bump in playing time. James is coming off a monster double-double in Thursday's win over the Timberwolves, and over his last five outings, he has averaged 30.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 3.0 three-pointers, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in 36.2 minutes per game.
Feb 28, 2025
Monster double-double in victory
James registered 33 points (11-21 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 7-10 FT), 17 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal across 37 minutes during Thursday's 111-102 victory over the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
James led the Lakers in points, rebounds and assists Thursday, marking his 27th outing with a double-double or better through 53 regular-season appearances. Additionally, the 40-year-old produced his 14th 30-plus-point performance, and he tied his season-high mark in rebounds as well. Over his last five outings, the superstar has averaged 30.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 3.0 three-pointers, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in 36.2 minutes per game.
Feb 27, 2025
Cleared to play Thursday
James (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will shake off a probable tag due to left foot injury management and suit up Thursday. The Lakers continue to include the veteran forward on the injury report due to the left foot injury, though he has missed only one outing since Dec. 31. The superstar has appeared in six consecutive contests, during which he has averaged 26.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 3.0 three-pointers, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks across 34.5 minutes per contest. James has recorded 55.4/42.9/78.3 shooting splits in that six-game span.
Feb 26, 2025
Likely to play against Minnesota
James (foot) has been listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will likely suit up Thursday for the Lakers against the Timberwolves despite continuing to deal with soreness in his left foot. The superstar forward is coming off an impressive performance in Tuesday's win against the Mavericks, recording a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds.
Feb 26, 2025
Leads team with 27/12 double-double
James recorded 27 points (11-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Tuesday's 107-99 victory over Dallas.
ANALYSIS
James played through his lingering foot injury and put on a show at Crypto.com Arena. The stage was set for Luke Doncic as he faced his former team, and James wasted no time in getting him involved while also creating many of his own opportunities. The synergy between James and Doncic is already apparent, and the duo should continue to improve as they work out the best way to complement each other's skill set.
Feb 25, 2025
Gets green light Tuesday
James (foot) is available for Tuesday's game against Dallas, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the injury report due to left foot injury management, though he'll play in his sixth consecutive contest Tuesday. Over his last five outings, the superstar has averaged 26.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 3.2 three-pointers, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks across 34.0 minutes per contest.
Feb 24, 2025
Likely to suit up Tuesday
James (foot) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against Dallas.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the injury report while the Lakers manage his playing time due to a lingering left foot injury. However, the superstar has appeared in five consecutive contests, during which he has averaged 26.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 3.2 three-pointers, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks across 34.0 minutes per contest. He has recorded 53.7/42.1/78.9 shooting splits in that five-game span.
Feb 22, 2025
Good to go against Denver
James (foot) is available for Saturday's game against the Nuggets, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a regular on the Lakers' injury report while managing a left foot injury, but the issue is not severe enough for him to be sidelined Saturday. James has averaged 29.9 points on 54.3 percent shooting, 9.1 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.3 steals over 34.7 minutes per game since the beginning of February.
Feb 21, 2025
Probable for Saturday
James (foot) is probable for Saturday's game against Denver, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to manage James' playing time due to a left foot injury, but he is expected to play in Saturday's marquee matchup. The superstar was a game-time decision ahead of Thursday's win over Portland due to the left foot injury, though he still posted 40 points (14-24 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 8-8 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block across 36 minutes. In the unlikely event that James is sidelined, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dalton Knecht could see a bump in minutes.
Feb 21, 2025
Explodes for 40 points
James contributed 40 points (14-24 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 8-8 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, one block and two steals over 36 minutes during Thursday's 110-102 victory over the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James scored eight straight points in a late rally to put the game away for the Lakers, who won despite Luke Doncic's (calf) absence. Although James' foot injury continues to be an issue, it's unlikely that he'll accrue any absences if Doncic's services are unavailable.
Feb 20, 2025
Available vs. Portland
James (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James went through his pre-game routine unscathed, and the star forward will give it a go in this game. James should handle a high usage rate since Luka Doncic (injury management) is out for this contest. The veteran, who sat out the All-Star Game while nursing the foot injury, is averaging 27.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 34.0 minutes per contest over his last five outings.
Feb 20, 2025
Game-time call Thursday
Head coach JJ Redick said that James (foot) will be a game-time decision ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Trail Blazers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will go through his pregame routine before the Lakers make a final decision on his availability in the second night of a back-to-back set. The superstar has averaged 27.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 34.0 minutes per contest over his last five outings. If James is sidelined, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dalton Knecht are candidates for an uptick in playing time.
Feb 20, 2025
Questionable vs. Portland
James (foot) is questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Trail Blazers, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James is no stranger to landing on the injury report and playing through it, but he certainly could sit out on the second night of the back-to-back following a loss to the Hornets. Luka Doncic (calf) and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) have already been ruled out. Regardless of James' availability, more usage should fall on the shoulders of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
Feb 20, 2025
Comes close to triple-double
James ended Wednesday's 100-97 loss to the Hornets with 26 points (10-22 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and one steal in 38 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James continues to adjust to life alongside Luka Doncic in the Lakers offense, and the veteran led the way offensively in this tight loss while also ending just three boards away from a triple-double. James has two double-doubles and one triple-double across his last six appearances, a span in which he's averaging 28.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists per contest.
Feb 19, 2025
Upgraded to available
James (foot) has been upgraded to available for Wednesday's game against the Hornets, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James was deemed "trending toward playing" earlier Wednesday, and it's been confirmed that the star forward will suit up in the return of the regular season after sitting out the 2025 All-Star Game. James should handle his regular workload on offense as he continues to adjust to playing alongside Luka Doncic. James is averaging 28.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game since the beginning of February.
Feb 19, 2025
Trending toward playing
The Lakers are optimistic that James (foot) will play in Wednesday's game against the Hornets, NBA Insider Shams Charania reported on ESPN.
ANALYSIS
James sat out the All-Star game due to soreness in his left foot and was initially labeled questionable for Wednesday's contest. With Charania's update, James should be considered probable. In his last five appearances, James has averaged 28.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.2 steals across 33.8 minutes.
Feb 18, 2025
Iffy for Wednesday
Coach JJ Redick said that James (foot) went through most of Tuesday's practice and is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Hornets, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James sat out of the All-Star Game due to discomfort in his left foot and ankle and could miss the club's first game following the All-Star break. The Lakers were managing the superstar's activity prior to the break due to the lingering left foot injury, and if he is ruled out for Wednesday's contest, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dalton Knecht could see an uptick in playing time.
Feb 16, 2025
Won't play in All-Star Game
James told reporters that he will not participate in Sunday's All-Star Game Tournament due to discomfort in his foot and ankle, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been regularly listed on the Lakers' injury report since early December due to left foot injury management and most recently a left ankle injury. He's been able to play in all but one of the Lakers' games since the beginning of January, and over that span he has averaged 25.6 points ,9.1 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals over 33.9 minutes per game while shooting 54.5 percent from the field. James told reporters Sunday that he was hoping to feel good enough to play in the All-Star Game tournament but that it was more important to avoid aggravating an injury ahead of the Lakers' final stretch of the regular season, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com. James will aim to be available for Wednesday's game against the Hornets, per Woike.
Feb 12, 2025
Good to go
James (ankle) will play in Wednesday's game against the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James was initially labeled probable, so it's not a surprise to see him in uniform Wednesday. He's averaging 31.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game during February.
Feb 11, 2025
Expected to play against Utah
James is listed as probable for Wednesday's game versus the Jazz due to left ankle soreness, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a nagging left ankle issue, but it is a good sign that his apparent abdominal injury from Monday's contest isn't expected to keep him out Wednesday. If James is ultimately upgraded to available, it is unlikely he will operate on a minutes restriction.
Feb 11, 2025
Spotted back on bench
James (abdomen) returned to the bench during the fourth quarter of Monday's game against the Jazz, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James made a quick trip to the locker room after taking a charge earlier in the quarter, though he was spotted sitting on the bench with a few minutes remaining in the game. It's unclear if he would have been cleared to return, as there was no need to force him back into action given a comfortable LA lead. The club should have additional information on the extent of James' injury shortly.
Feb 11, 2025
Leaves for locker room Monday
James exited to the locker room after sustaining an apparent abdominal injury in the fourth quarter of Monday's game against the Jazz, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James grabbed at his midsection after colliding with an opposing player. The superstar walked back to the locker room with the training staff, and it wouldn't come as a surprise if he remains on the sideline for the remainder of the final quarter.
Feb 10, 2025
Getting green light vs. Utah
James (ankle) has been cleared to play Monday against the Jazz, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James sat out of Saturday's matchup with the Pacers due to an ankle issue but won't miss Luka Doncic's Laker debut Monday evening. James continues to defy his age by averaging 31.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.0 steals over his last five appearances.
Feb 10, 2025
Expected to play
James (ankle) has been upgraded to probable for Monday's game against Utah, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to return from a one-game absence after missing Saturday's game versus the Pacers. With Luka Doncic (calf) expected to make his debut for the Lakers on Monday, it will be interesting to see how the offense operates with two high-usage playmakers.
Feb 9, 2025
Questionable against Utah
James (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Jazz, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James could miss a second consecutive game due to a left ankle injury. If he is unable to go, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt would be in line for extra minutes.
Feb 8, 2025
Ruled out Saturday
James (ankle) won't play in Saturday's game versus the Pacers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss his first game since Dec. 28 due to a left ankle injury. Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt are candidates to receive increased playing time in his absence. James' next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Utah.
Feb 7, 2025
Downgraded to doubtful Saturday
James (ankle) has been downgraded from questionable to doubtful for Saturday's game against the Pacers, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is now trending towards missing Saturday's game against the Pacers due to left ankle soreness. If the four-time NBA champion is ruled out, the Lakers will likely turn to Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith to help carry the load left by the superstar forward. Jarred Vanderbilt could also see a boost in minutes in the frontcourt.
Feb 7, 2025
Questionable for Saturday
James (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Pacers, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is coming off an incredible performance in Thursday's win against the Warriors, finishing with 42 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block. However, the 38 minutes played might have taken a toll on his right ankle, which might keep him out against Indiana. If the superstar forward cannot play Saturday, the Lakers could turn to Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith to help shoulder the load in the frontcourt.
Feb 7, 2025
Drops season-high 42 points
James (foot) ended with 42 points (14-25 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 17 rebounds, eight assists, one block and one steal across 38 minutes during Thursday's 120-112 victory over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
It was the 24th double-double of the season for James, who also registered his first 40-point game of the season Thursday. Over his last five games, the future Hall of Famer has averaged 31.2 points, 9.8 assists, 9.4 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.6 threes while shooting 44.8 percent from downtown. James could see a slight downtick in usage when Luka Doncic is ready to return from a calf strain, but he'll certainly remain an elite fantasy option across all formats.
Feb 6, 2025
Good to go Thursday
James (foot) is listed as available for Thursday's game against Golden State.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to include James on the injury report due to left foot injury management, though he hasn't missed a contest since Dec. 28. Over his last 10 outings, the superstar has averaged 25.6 points, 9.9 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 33.6 minutes per contest.
Feb 5, 2025
Tabbed probable
James is probable for Thursday's game against the Warriors due to left foot injury management, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is likely to play Thursday due to a lingering foot injury. Considering Luka Doncic (calf) won't play, expect James to have a monster usage rate. Since the start of January, James is averaging 25.2 points, 9.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 33.9 minutes per game.
Feb 5, 2025
Paces team with 26 points
James racked up 26 points (8-13 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 8-11 FT), eight rebounds, nine assists and three steals in 31 minutes during Tuesday's 122-97 victory over the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
In the Lakers' first game without Anthony Davis, the team was humming on all cylinders behind James, who is kicking off February with a bang. He started the month with a triple-double and posted comparable numbers against the Clippers, who gave up on the game by the fourth quarter. All eyes will be on James and Luka Doncic (calf), who should share time on the court before the week is out.
Feb 4, 2025
Good to go against Clippers
James (foot) is available and in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available Tuesday despite dealing with a nagging left foot issue. There is no indication that the superstar forward will operate on a minutes restriction.
Feb 3, 2025
Probable for Tuesday
James is probable for Tuesday's game against the Clippers due to left foot injury management, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed on the team's injury report with a left foot issue, though it hasn't forced him to miss any game action lately. He's coming off an impressive 33-point performance Saturday against the Knicks and should be ready to go for Tuesday's matchup.
Feb 2, 2025
Puts up 33 points in triple-double
James (foot) finished Saturday's 128-112 win over the Knicks with 33 points (14-26 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 11 rebounds and 12 assists across 37 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James put on a show at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, posting his 10th triple-double of the year to go with a game-high 33 points to lead the Lakers. The future Hall of Famer has now played five contests this season with Anthony Davis (abdomen) unavailable, with James averaging 32.6 points, 9.0 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 4.2 three-pointers in 34.4 minutes per game during this period. As long as Davis remains on the shelf, James should continue taking on the bulk of the playmaking duties.
Feb 1, 2025
Will play against New York
James (foot) has been cleared to play in Saturday's game against the Knicks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will play against the Knicks on Saturday, as expected. The superstar recorded a double-double in Thursday's win against the Wizards, finishing with 24 points, three rebounds and 11 assists.
Jan 31, 2025
Probable for Saturday
James is probable for Saturday's game against the Knicks due to left foot injury management, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
It's not surprising to see James listed on the injury report, as that has been the trend throughout the majority of the campaign. However, as has been the case lately, the probable tag suggests James should play and handle his regular workload. Since the beginning of January, he's averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Jan 31, 2025
Leads offensively in double-double
James provided 24 points (9-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT), three rebounds and 11 assists across 27 minutes during Thursday's 134-96 win over the Wizards.
ANALYSIS
James led the way for Los Angeles on the offensive end of the floor, pacing all Lakers in scoring and assists over a 20-10 double-double performance. James has recorded at least 20 points and 10 dimes in 14 contests this season, doing so in three of his last six appearances.
Jan 30, 2025
Good to go Thursday
James (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Wizards, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to include James on the injury report due to left foot injury management, though he'll suit up Thursday and hasn't missed a matchup since Dec. 28. The superstar has averaged 24.6 points, 9.0 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 34.5 minutes per game through 13 outings in January. He has also shot 54.7 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from beyond the arc in that 13-game span.
Jan 29, 2025
Questionable against Washington
James (foot) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Wizards, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After nearly dropping a triple-double in Tuesday's loss to the 76ers, James has been listed as questionable rather than his usual probable for the Lakers' next game Thursday on the road in Washington. This could be a costly blow for Los Angeles, which would already be without Anthony Davis (abdomen). The team might also be without Dorian Finney-Smith (shoulder) and Gabe Vincent (knee), who are also questionable for this game against the Wizards. Rui Hachimura (calf) could see an increased role if he plays, as he is listed as probable. Dalton Knecht might also get more minutes on the floor Thursday.
Jan 28, 2025
Flirts with triple-double
James registered 31 points (10-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 10-11 FT), eight rebounds, nine assists and one steal in 33 minutes during Tuesday's 118-104 loss to the 76ers.
ANALYSIS
James scored his most points since Jan. 2 during Tuesday's loss while also finishing just one assist and two rebounds shy of a triple-double. The superstar forward's impressive scoring output was aided by his season-high 10 free throws made. Before Tuesday's contest, James hadn't made more than seven free throws in a game this season while only putting up double-digit attempts once.
Jan 28, 2025
Good to go Tuesday
James (foot) is available and in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game versus the 76ers, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James will make his 14th straight appearance Tuesday after being upgraded from probable to available despite dealing with a nagging foot issue. The superstar forward has been scorching the nets from behind the arc across those previous 13 outings, converting 44.3 percent of his 5.4 three-point attempts per contest.
Jan 28, 2025
Probable to face Philadelphia
James (foot) has been listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the 76ers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has only missed three games for the Lakers this season and doesn't appear to be in line to miss a fourth Tuesday in the second game of a back-to-back against the 76ers in Philadelphia. The four-time NBA champion is coming off a decent performance in Monday's win against the Hornets, finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Jan 26, 2025
Probable for Monday
James (foot) is probable for Monday's game against Charlotte, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to list James on the injury report due to left foot injury management, though he is expected to play in the first half of the club's back-to-back set. The superstar hasn't missed a game since Dec. 28, and over his last five outings, he has averaged 24.0 points, 10.0 assists, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 34.4 minutes per game.
Jan 26, 2025
Continues to rack up stats
James racked up 25 points (12-25 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, 12 assists and one steal across 35 minutes during Saturday's 118-108 victory over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James wasn't as active on offense as Anthony Davis, who led the way with a 36-point effort, but he excelled as a playmaker, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Warriors threatened to close the gap. James has now recorded a double-double or a triple-double in his last four appearances, a span in which he's averaging 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game.
Jan 25, 2025
Suiting up Saturday
James (foot) is available for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James was downgraded from probable to questionable earlier Saturday, but the star forward will suit up and should handle his regular workload as one of the Lakers' go-to options on offense. The 40-year-old is averaging 24.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game since the beginning of January.
Jan 25, 2025
Downgraded to questionable
James (foot) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James has been downgraded from probable to questionable Saturday due to left foot injury management. If the superstar forward is ultimately downgraded to out, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt are candidates to receive increased playing time.
Jan 24, 2025
Probable for Saturday vs. Warriors
James (foot) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against Golden State, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to show up on the Lakers' injury report due to a left foot issue, but it won't likely keep him out of Saturday's contest. Since Jan. 1, James has averaged 24.2 points on 55.2 percent shooting (including 49.1 percent from three on 5.5 3PA/G), 8.8 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals over 34.4 minutes per game.
Jan 24, 2025
Huge double-double Thursday
James ended with 20 points (9-20 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 14 rebounds and six assists in 31 minutes during Thursday's 117-96 victory over the Celtics.
ANALYSIS
James recorded a double-double or a triple-double for the third consecutive contest while reaching the 20-point mark for the fifth straight contest. The 40-year-old forward continues to do things no one in the NBA has ever done at such a veteran age, and he remains an integral part of the Lakers' success. He's averaging 23.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game over his last five contests.
Jan 23, 2025
Suiting up Thursday
James (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Celtics, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As has been the case throughout the season, James will suit up and handle his regular workload despite being listed as probable in the injury report. He's averaging 24.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game since the beginning of January.
Jan 22, 2025
Lands probable tag
James is probable for Thursday's game against the Celtics due to left foot injury management, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the Lakers' injury report due to a left foot issue. However, the injury isn't expected to prevent him from suiting up Thursday. The 40-year-old logged a triple-double against Washington last time out.
Jan 22, 2025
Records triple-double Tuesday
James totaled 21 points (8-18 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds, 13 assists, one block and two steals in 36 minutes during Tuesday's 111-88 win over the Wizards.
ANALYSIS
Anthony Davis carried the Lakers in scoring in this win, but the impact of James on both ends of the court can't be overlooked. The 40-year-old veteran continues to defy Father Time and became the second player in league history to record a triple-double at the age of 40 or older, something only Karl Malone had achieved in the past. James is averaging 24.7 points, 9.1 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game since the beginning of January and recorded his ninth triple-double of the season in this win.
Jan 21, 2025
Upgraded to available
James (foot) will play in Tuesday's game against the Wizards, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers had James tabbed as probable with left foot injury management, and the perennial All-Star has expectedly been upgraded to available for Tuesday's favorable matchup against Washington. Through his last nine games, James has averaged 24.9 points, 8.4 assists, 6.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 3.1 three-pointers, and he should face no limitations in this one.
Jan 20, 2025
Probable vs. Wizards
James is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against Washington due to left foot injury management, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to find himself on the team's injury report but doesn't appear to be in any danger of sitting out of Tuesday's clash. The team figures to officially clear him closer to tipoff.
Jan 20, 2025
Nabs 18th double-double
James chipped in 25 points (9-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five rebounds, 11 assists, one block and three steals over 35 minutes during Sunday's 116-102 loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
The double-double was his 18th of the season and the 591st of his career, as James inches closer to becoming only the ninth player in NBA history with 600. The 40-year-old forward has topped 20 points in six of eight games to begin January, averaging 25.1 points, 8.6 assists, 6.4 boards, 3.1 threes and 1.1 steals on the month while shooting 58.1 percent from the floor and an eye-popping 53.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Jan 19, 2025
Suiting up vs. Clippers
James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Clippers, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed in the injury report since he's managing a left foot injury. However, as has been the case of late, he's available and should handle his regular workload as one of the Lakers' go-to options on offense. James is averaging 25.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game since the beginning of January.
Jan 18, 2025
Probable for Sunday
James is probable for Sunday's game against the Clippers due to left foot injury management, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with a left foot injury for quite some time. Even though he's expected to be a mainstay in the injury report going forward, the probable tag suggests he should play and handle his regular workload. James is averaging 25.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game since the beginning of January.
Jan 17, 2025
Cleared to play
James (foot) will play Friday against the Nets, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James was carrying a probable tag prior to this update, but that's become the norm for him. With Anthony Davis (foot) sitting this game out, James is likely to see a bump in usage rate Friday evening.
Jan 16, 2025
Expected to go Friday
James is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Nets due to left foot injury management, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to find his way onto the injury report but hasn't missed a game since Dec. 28 against the Kings. Expect confirmation from the team closer to Friday's tipoff.
Jan 15, 2025
Good to go
James (foot) will play in Wednesday's game against Miami, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was previously labeled probable, so his availability doesn't come as a surprise. James is averaging 25.0 points, 8.2 assists and 6.8 rebounds across 33.8 minutes spanning his last five appearances.
Jan 14, 2025
Nabs another probable tag
James (foot) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game versus the Heat, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to receive probable tags due to left foot injury management but has played in Los Angeles' last six outings. The superstar forward averages 33.8 minutes per contest over that span, so he is unlikely to operate on a minutes restriction if officially upgraded to available against Miami.
Jan 14, 2025
Close to double-double
James recorded 18 points (7-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-4 FT), five rebounds, eight assists, one block and one steal over 32 minutes during Monday's 126-102 loss to the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers looked surprisingly overmatched Monday and lost by 24 points, but James was one of the few bright spots for them, showing an efficient touch from the floor and ending just two assists away from a double-double. James continues to play at a high level in his age-40 season, and the star forward is averaging 25.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists and a combined 1.3 steals-plus-blocks over his last 10 games.
Jan 13, 2025
Officially cleared to play
James (foot) is available for Monday's game against San Antonio, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was tagged as probable leading up to Monday's clash, so his availability was never really in doubt. He's averaging 34.2 minutes over his last five appearances and should be ready to tackle a full workload versus the Spurs.
Jan 12, 2025
Likely to play Monday
James (foot) is probable for Monday's game against the Spurs, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has appeared in five straight games for the Lakers and it seems likely he will extend that streak Monday. James is averaging 26.0 points, 8.0 assists and 6.6 rebounds in 34.2 minutes per contest over those five outings.
Jan 10, 2025
Saturday's game postponed
James (foot) and the Lakers will not play against the Spurs on Saturday due due the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
It's the second Lakers game that has been postponed due to the ongoing situation, with this past Thursday's contest against the Hornets to also be rescheduled at a later date. The Lakers host the Spurs in a rematch Monday, and the NBA will announce whether that game also needs to be moved closer to the date.
Jan 10, 2025
Expected to play Saturday
James (foot) is probable for Saturday's game against the Spurs, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has suited up in five consecutive games for the Lakers, and the superstar forward is expected to be available once again versus the Spurs. However, it's worth noting Saturday's game is at risk of being postponed due to the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. In any event, James is averaging 26.0 points, 8.0 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 threes in 34.3 minutes while shooting 53.1 percent from downtown over his past five outings.
Jan 9, 2025
Thursday's game postponed
James and the Lakers will not play Thursday against the Hornets as the game has been postponed due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers are on a long home stand, set to play their next four games at home, then their fifth game against the Los Angeles Clippers. This will be a situation to monitor going forward, as it's possible more games will be postponed.
Jan 8, 2025
Probable for Thursday
James (foot) has been listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Hornets, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been cleared to play against the Hornets on Thursday in Los Angeles. The superstar forward has recorded double-doubles in two consecutive games. However, both games were losses on the road, losing to the Rockets and Mavericks.
Jan 8, 2025
Teases triple-double in loss
James closed Tuesday's 118-97 loss to the Mavericks with 18 points (6-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and one steal over 35 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer came two dimes short of his ninth triple-double of the season, and the 121st of his career. James has dished at least seven assists in 11 of his last 12 appearances, averaging 27.2 points, 8.4 assists, 7.0 boards, 2.8 threes and 1.0 steals over that stretch while shooting 54.5 percent from the floor and 45.2 percent from beyond the arc -- production that most 30-year-olds would be envious of.
Jan 7, 2025
Good to go Tuesday
James (foot) is available to play in Tuesday's game against Dallas, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to manage James' playing time due to a left foot injury, though he will suit up in his fifth consecutive outing Tuesday. Over his last four appearances, the superstar has averaged 28.0 points, 8.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 34.0 minutes per contest.
Jan 6, 2025
Probable to play against Mavs
James (foot) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been playing through a left foot injury as of late, but it didn't slow him down during the Lakers' 119-115 loss to the Rockets on Sunday, finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and one steal over 36 minutes. Since and including Dec. 1, James has averaged 26.5 points on 51.7 percent shooting (including 39.0 percent from three on 6.3 3PA/G), 8.5 assists and 6.7 rebounds over 34.5 minutes per game.
Jan 6, 2025
Comes close to triple-double
James contributed 21 points (8-16 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, nine assists and one steal across 36 minutes during Sunday's 119-115 loss to the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James finished just one assist away from recording what would've been his ninth triple-double, a category in which he's among the league leaders despite turning 40 years of age on Dec. 30. James continues to play at an exceptionally high level, and he's averaging 29.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game since the calendar flipped to 2025 while also nursing a foot injury that has made him a regular fixture in the team's injury report.
Jan 5, 2025
Will play Sunday
James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Rockets, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James and Anthony Davis (ankle) have both been upgraded from probable to available. Since missing two games in mid-December, James has appeared in eight of the Lakers' last nine games, averaging 27.4 points, 8.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals-plus-blocks in 34.3 minutes per night during that stretch.
Jan 4, 2025
Likely playing Sunday
James (foot) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Rockets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been working through a left foot injury, but it doesn't appear to be serious enough for him to miss Sunday's game. He broke Michael Jordan's NBA record of most 30-point games Friday against the Hawks, and James finished that contest with 30 points, eight assists and three rebounds over 30 minutes.
Jan 4, 2025
Breaks record during victory
James racked up 30 points (13-20 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and eight assists in 30 minutes during Friday's 119-102 win over the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
James surpassed Michael Jordan with his 563rd 30-point game, and he's now the all-time leader in the category, adding to his already impressive impact on the record books. The All-Star continues to beat back Father Time with impressive totals, and he's keeoing the Lakers in the playoff conversation wth sheer will and sufficent help from his teammates.
Jan 3, 2025
Will play against Atlanta
James (foot) is available for Friday's game against the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
James has been managing a left foot injury as of late, but he will play through the issue in the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set Friday. Over his last seven outings, James has averaged 27.0 points on 52.1 percent shooting (including 45.2 percent from three on 6.2 3PA/G), 8.1 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals over 34.9 minutes per game.
Jan 3, 2025
Expected to play Friday
James is listed as probable for Friday's game against Atlanta due to left foot injury management.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to suit up for the second leg of the club's back-to-back set as the Lakers continue to manage his availability. The 40-year-old posted a full stat line with Anthony Davis (ankle) sidelined in Thursday's win over Portland, during which he amassed 38 points (15-25 FG, 7-10 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight assists and three rebounds across 36 minutes. If the club decides to hold James out of Friday's contest, Cam Reddish and Dorian Finney-Smith will likely see a bump in minutes.
Jan 3, 2025
Shines in victory Thursday
James recorded 38 points (15-25 FG, 7-10 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight assists and three rebounds across 36 minutes during Thursday's 114-106 win over the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
The superstar finished with 30-plus points for the eighth time through 30 regular-season appearances this year, posting a game-high mark in scoring with Anthony Davis (ankle) sidelined. James also logged a season high in threes made while torching the nets. Over his last five outings, the 40-year-old has averaged 30.4 points, 8.4 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals across 35.2 minutes per contest.
Jan 1, 2025
Scores 23 points
James produced 23 points (9-17 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, seven assists and one block in 34 minutes during Tuesday's 122-110 loss to the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
Fresh off his 40th birthday on Dec. 30, James scored over 20 points for the fourth consecutive outing, something he hadn't accomplished since a five-game stretch between Oct. 30 and Nov. 8. James ended the final month of 2024 on a strong note with averages of 25.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists across 10 outings.
Dec 31, 2024
Officially cleared
James (illness) will play Tuesday night against Cleveland, Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
James was upgraded to probable shortly before tipoff and has now been given the green light to play Tuesday evening. He's averaging 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.4 steals over his last five appearances.
Dec 31, 2024
Upgraded to probable
James (illness) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
James was added to the injury report as questionable due to illness, but it now appears as though he'll ultimately gain clearance to play Tuesday following a one-game absence. The Lakers should have confirmation on his availability closer to tipoff.
Dec 30, 2024
Iffy for Tuesday vs. Cavs
James (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Cleveland, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is in jeopardy of missing his second consecutive outing due to the illness. If the superstar is ruled out, Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish will likely see an uptick in playing time. Over his last five outings, James has averaged 25.6 points, 8.4 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 34.8 minutes per contest.
Dec 28, 2024
Ruled out with illness
James (illness) is out for Saturday's game against the Kings, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially listed as questionable due to illness, but the Lakers are going to be cautious with the star forward and will give him the game off. This means Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish are candidates to earn more minutes with James sidelined. James' next chance to play will come against the Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Dec 27, 2024
Iffy for Saturday with illness
James (illness) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Kings, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James was absent from Friday's practice due to the illness, and he is in jeopardy of missing his third game since Dec. 8. The superstar has appeared in five consecutive outings, during which he has averaged 25.6 points, 8.4 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 34.8 minutes per contest. If James is sidelined, Cam Reddish, Dalton Knecht and Armel Traore are candidates for an uptick in playing time.
Dec 26, 2024
Big double-double against Dubs
James racked up 31 points (12-22 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT), four rebounds, 10 assists, one block and two steals across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 115-113 victory over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
Playing in his NBA-record 19th Christmas Day game, James didn't seem bothered by his nagging foot issue as he delivered his 15th double-double of the season and his seventh game with 30 or more points in 28 appearances. Over five contests since returning from a two-game absence earlier this month due to the injury, the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer is averaging 25.6 points, 8.4 assists, 7.2 boards, 1.8 threes, 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks while shooting 50.0 percent from the floor.
Dec 25, 2024
Will play Wednesday
James (foot) is available for Wednesday's game against the Warriors, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James and Anthony Davis (shoulder) have been upgraded from questionable to available and will suit up for the Lakers' Christmas Day game. After missing two games in mid-December, James has appeared in four straight, averaging 24.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks in 34.3 minutes during that stretch.
Dec 24, 2024
Iffy for Wednesday
James is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Warriors due to left foot injury management, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with a nagging foot injury but has suited up and played at least 34 minutes in four straight contests. Should he miss Wednesday's game, Cam Reddish and Dalton Knecht would be candidates for more minutes.
Dec 24, 2024
Triple-double not enough Monday
James accumulated 28 points (10-16 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 11 rebounds and 11 assists in 35 minutes during Monday's 117-114 loss to the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
James recorded his eighth triple-double of the season in this loss, and that's a remarkable achievement -- especially considering the veteran forward is only days away from turning 40 years old. It was also his 13th game with 10 or more assists and his ninth contest with double-digit rebounds. James missed two games due to left foot soreness earlier this month, but he's been impressive since returning to action with 24.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game since returning to the hardwood four games ago.
Dec 24, 2024
Shines in losing effort Monday
James notched 28 points (10-16 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 11 rebounds and 11 assists across 35 minutes in Monday's 117-114 loss to Detroit.
ANALYSIS
James recorded his eighth triple-double through 27 regular-season outings, although it came in a losing effort in which he missed a deep buzzer-beater from downtown that would have sent the game to overtime. The superstar has been stellar as a playmaker and is on pace to average the third-highest assist total (9.0) of his 21-year career. Over his last five outings, James has averaged 27.2 points, 8.6 assists, 8.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks across 36.0 minutes per contest.
Dec 23, 2024
Gets green light Monday
James (foot) is available for Monday's game against the Pistons, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the injury report lately due to left foot injury management. However, Monday's contest will mark the superstar's fourth consecutive outing. Across his last three appearances, James has averaged 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks across 34.0 minutes per contest.
Dec 22, 2024
Questionable to play Monday
James (foot) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Pistons, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has managed to play through a left foot injury in the Lakers' last three games, and over that span he has averaged 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks over 34.0 minutes per game. If James is held out of Monday's game, that could mean more playing time for Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish.
Dec 22, 2024
Surpasses 30 points as top scorer
James ended with 32 points (13-24 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and four steals in 34 minutes during Saturday's 103-99 victory over Sacramento.
ANALYSIS
James lifted Los Angeles on both ends of the floor in Saturday's winning effort, leading all players in the contest in scoring and steals while pacing the Lakers in assists in an all-around showcase. James set a new season high in steals, recording his second game with at least three swipes. He has surpassed the 30-point mark in six contests this season, including in two of his last four appearances.
Dec 21, 2024
Available vs. Sacramento
James (foot) is available to play Saturday against the Kings, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.
ANALYSIS
James' availability isn't much of a surprise, as he was upgraded to probable earlier Saturday. The star forward has played 34 minutes in back-to-back games after missing a pair of contests due to foot soreness, so he's not expected to have any restrictions whatsoever. James is averaging 22.6 points, 9.0 assists and 7.9 rebounds across 35.0 minutes this season.
Dec 21, 2024
Upgraded to probable
James (foot) is now probable for Saturday's game against the Kings, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is trending towards playing after initially being labeled questionable due to left foot injury management. James has played 34 minutes in back-to-back games after missing a pair of contests due to foot soreness. In 25 appearances this season, James is averaging 22.6 points, 9.0 assists and 7.9 rebounds across 35.0 minutes.
Dec 20, 2024
Questionable to play Saturday
James is questionable for Saturday's game against the Kings due to left foot injury management, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to be a mainstay in the Lakers' injury report for the foreseeable future, but if he doesn't experience any setbacks, he should play with no restrictions while handling his regular workload. James, who became the all-time leader in minutes played during the 113-100 win over Sacramento on Thursday, is averaging 23.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.3 blocks per game in six appearances in December.
Dec 20, 2024
Breaks NBA record in victory
James finished Thursday's 113-100 win over Sacramento with 19 points (8-21 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, seven assists and one block in 34 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the all-time leader in regular-season minutes. His 35-minute outing gave him a total of 57,741 minutes, vaulting well past Abdul-Jabbar's previous record of 57.446 minutes. James did a little bit of everything in the win, although he ceded a lot of the heavy lifting to Anthony Davis, who had a monstrous 21/20 double-double. The Lakers have now won three of their last four games, and they'll need both James and Davis healthy to add more notches in the win column. James' foot forced him out of two games over the past two weeks, but the five-day break was an excellent opportunity to rest the injury.
Dec 19, 2024
Suiting up vs. Sacramento
James (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Kings, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was upgraded to probable earlier Thursday, so his availability for this contest isn't surprising. Expect the star forward to handle his regular workload. James is averaging 21.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game over his last 10 appearances.
Dec 19, 2024
Trending in right direction
James (foot) is now probable for Thursday's game against the Kings, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially tagged as questionable with a left foot injury, but it appears he's on track to run the floor Thursday evening. Expect further clarification from the team closer to tipoff.
Dec 18, 2024
Questionable to play Thursday
James is questionable for Thursday's game against the Kings due to left foot injury management, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed two games due to left foot soreness but returned in the 116-110 win over the Grizzlies on Sunday, posting 18 points (7-17 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-4 FT), eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal across 34 minutes. The questionable tag isn't expected to alter his status for Thursday, though, and James is widely expected to be ready to go against Sacramento as long as he doesn't experience any setbacks.
Dec 16, 2024
Sniffs triple-double in return
James ended with 18 points (7-17 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-4 FT), eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal across 34 minutes during Sunday's 116-110 victory over the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James returned from a two-game absence and did it in spectacular fashion, ending just two rebounds and two assists away from a triple-double while filling out the stat sheet admirably. There was some rust with his shot, but James looked more agile and quicker than in previous games, when he was going through a slump. The star forward will probably be listed in the Lakers' injury report for Thursday's game against the Kings due to left foot soreness, but he's expected to remain available until further notice.
Dec 15, 2024
Will play Sunday
James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed the last two games due to left foot soreness but he will return to action Sunday. Over his last five appearances, James holds averages of 23.4 points, 8.6 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 34.6 minutes per contest.
Dec 14, 2024
Upgraded to questionable
James (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed the Lakers' last two games, and there's no question his return from left foot soreness would give the team a huge boost on both ends of the court. If he returns Sunday, Max Christie should return to a bench role. James is averaging 23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game this season.
Dec 12, 2024
Ruled out Friday
James (foot) is out for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss a second straight game due to left foot soreness, and the Lakers are expected to be overly cautious with their star forward amid any potential injury concerns he might have. James' next chance to play will come against the Grizzlies on Sunday. Max Christie could remain in the starting lineup with James sidelined Friday.
Dec 12, 2024
Likely out Friday
James (foot) is considered unlikely to play in Friday's game versus the TImberwolves, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to miss his second straight contest Friday due to left foot soreness. If the superstar forward is ultimately ruled out against Minnesota, Max Christie could draw another start.
Dec 11, 2024
Excused from Wednesday's practice
James (personal/foot) was away from the team Wednesday, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. The Lakers next contest is Friday versus Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
James was excused from Wednesday's practice due to personal reasons, but he is also considered day-to-day while battling left foot soreness. Sunday's victory over Portland represented his first missed game of the season, and he had showed renewed vigor across four prior contests, averaging 26.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 9.3 assists in 34.8 minutes per game.
Dec 8, 2024
Sitting out Sunday
James (foot) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss his first game of the season after he was initially deemed probable for the contest due to left foot soreness. With the superstar sidelined, Cam Reddish and Armel Traore are both likely to receive an uptick in playing time.
Dec 8, 2024
Downgraded to doubtful Sunday
James (foot) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been downgraded from probable to doubtful due to left foot soreness. The superstar is now in jeopardy of missing his first game this season, and in the likely event that he's ruled out, Cam Reddish and Armel Traore are candidates for an increased role.
Dec 8, 2024
Upgraded to probable
James (foot) is probable for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to probable and will likely keep his consecutive games played streak going. After a handful of poor shooting nights, the veteran superstar has found his stroke, going 26-for-43 from the field over his last two appearances.
Dec 7, 2024
Questionable to play Sunday
James (foot) is questionable to play Sunday against Portland, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been playing through left foot soreness as of late, though he has yet to miss a game this season. He's coming off a triple-double performance in an overtime loss to the Hawks on Friday, but in the seven games prior he was shooting just 11.8 percent from three on 4.9 3PA/G. Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish and Max Christie would see increased playing time if James were to be sidelined Sunday.
Dec 7, 2024
Triple-double in OT loss
James closed Friday's 134-132 overtime loss to the Hawks with 39 points (14-25 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, 11 assists, three blocks and two steals in 43 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The future Hall of Famer put up huge numbers, as he led all scorers on the night while delivering his seventh triple-double of the season and the 119th of his career, but his desperation heave as the clock ran down on OT didn't fall. James's 39 points and six made threes both tied his season highs, and the performance from beyond the arc was especially encouraging -- he'd gone just 1-for-23 from long distance over the prior five games.
Dec 6, 2024
Good to go Friday against Hawks
James (foot) is available for Friday's matchup against Atlanta, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up after being listed as questionable due to left foot soreness prior to being cleared. The superstar has yet to miss a game this season, and in his last five outings he averaged 18.8 points, 8.6 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 0.6 blocks across 32.6 minutes per game. However, the 39-year-old has shot only 1-for-23 from beyond the arc in this five-game span.
Dec 6, 2024
Expected to play against Atlanta
James (foot) is expected to play against the Hawks on Friday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James aggravated his left foot injury against the Heat on Wednesday, but it doesn't appear that it will prevent him from playing Friday, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. The 39-year-old James has averaged 20.8 points, 8.4 assists and 6.9 rebounds over 34.1 minutes per game over his last 10 outings.
Dec 5, 2024
Iffy against Atlanta
James is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Hawks due to left foot soreness, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James is in danger of missing his first contest of the season Friday due to left foot soreness. If the 39-year-old forward is ultimately ruled out against Atlanta, Cam Reddish and Armel Traore are candidates to receive increased playing time.
Dec 3, 2024
Slump continues Monday
James finished Monday's 109-80 loss to the Timberwolves with 10 points (4-16 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds and four assists across 31 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The slump continues for James, whos' now averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 turnovers per game while shooting 39.8 percent from the field and 10.0 percent from three-point range in his past six outings. James is way too talented to continue slumping for an extended stretch, but it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if he gets a day off in the near future, as head coach JJ Redick expressed following Monday's loss. "I don't know that's in the best interest of him and us if he does that, but if he's feeling well and feeling good, then he should play," Redick said, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. "But we obviously want to ... manage that as best we can."
Dec 2, 2024
Tskes over game in fourth quarter
James produced 27 points (12-28 FG, 0-9 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, 14 assists and two blocks across 36 minutes during Sunday's 105-104 victory over the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
Although the Lakers were short-handed and obviously weary from a grueling holiday weekend schedule, the team was able to pull out a win against the Jazz thanks to James' fourth-quarter heroics. During a span when Anthony Davis sat for rest, James took over the game in short order, firing shot after shot that all found the bottom of the basket. James' shooting percentage was hammered by going scoreless in nine attempts beyond the arc, but his 14 assists helped to offset the shooting woes.
Nov 28, 2024
Triple-doubles vs. Spurs
James provided 16 points (8-18 FG, 0-2 3Pt), 10 rebounds, 11 assists, one block and one steal in 33 minutes during Wednesday's 119-101 win over the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
James didn't have his best shooting performance in this win Wednesday, but that didn't matter much after he recorded his sixth triple-double of the season. The soon-to-be 40-year-old star forward continues to find ways to impact the game even if Anthony Davis is the go-to player on offense in the current scheme of head coach JJ Redick. Through his last 10 games, James is averaging 22.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists and a combined 1.3 steals-plus-blocks. He's been outperforming even the most optimistic predictions about his numbers, and James isn't showing any signs of slowing down even in his 21st season in the league.
Nov 27, 2024
Ekes out double-double in loss
James amassed 18 points (7-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds and 10 assists in 35 minutes during Tuesday's 127-100 loss to the Suns.
ANALYSIS
James provided just enough assists to record another double-double while replicating his 18-point total from his previous game against the Nuggets. By James' standards, an 18-point total is well below what one would typically expect, but those who depend on the All-Star for production shouldn't be too concerned. His 23.3-point average through 17 games is a career low, but his ability to distribute the ball is offsetting the production decrease.
Nov 24, 2024
Limited to 18 points in loss
James finished Saturday's 127-102 loss to the Nuggets with 18 points (7-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six rebounds, seven assists and three steals across 35 minutes.
ANALYSIS
This was one of James' worst performances of the season from a scoring perspective, but the soon-to-be 40-year-old forward salvaged his fantasy stat line by notching solid numbers in other categories, such as rebounds, assists and steals. James has failed to reach the 20-point mark in just three of his 11 outings in November, and he continues to defy Father Time every time he steps on the court. James is averaging 24.7 points, 10.3 assists and 8.7 rebounds per contest since the beginning of November.
Nov 22, 2024
Logs 14 points in fourth quarter
James accumulated 31 points (12-22 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, seven assists and one block over 37 minutes during Thursday's 119-118 loss to the Magic.
ANALYSIS
James did most of his damage in the final stanza as the team tried to climb back into the game. James ended a few assists short of his sixth triple-double of the season. James and Anthony Davis are enjoying one of the most productive starts ever as teammates, and with renewed production from their supporting cast, the team's outlook is bright.
Nov 20, 2024
Double-doubles with 12 assists
James supplied 26 points (9-17 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 7-11 FT), two rebounds and 12 assists across 34 minutes during Tuesday's 124-118 victory over the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James was visibly impressed with Dalton Knecht's performance, and the rookie was partly responsible for the All-Star's lofty assist total. James an Anthony Davis both scored 26 points, and their ability to record big numbers simultaneously is a big reason why the team is off to a 10-4 start. The duo sometimes suffers with poor results rom the supporting cast, but Knecht's three-point barrage allowed them to make plays and keep the defense guessing.
Nov 16, 2024
Takes over in fourth quarter
James delivered 21 points (8-19 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and a steal across 37 minutes in Saturday's 104-99 win over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James was unable to extend his streak of consecutive triple-doubles to five games and was having a relatively down game in this one, at least for his recent standards. However, he took over in the fourth quarter when the Lakers needed him the most and scored 11 of his 21 point-haul in the final 12 minutes. James' triple-double streak might have ended in this low-scoring win, but he remains an above-average source of fantasy production even when he's only a few weeks away from turning 40 years old.
Nov 15, 2024
Extends triple-double streak Friday
James finished Friday's 120-115 win over the Spurs with 15 points (6-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 16 rebounds, 12 assists and one steal over 38 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James made history Wednesday by being the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in three consecutive games, which he extended to four games Friday. He continues to play at an elite level despite inching closer to 40 years old, and to start the 2024-25 regular season he is averaging 23.5 points on 52.3 percent shooting (including 44.6 percent from three on 5.4 3PA/G), 9.6 assists and 8.8 rebounds over 35.3 minutes per game.
Nov 14, 2024
Makes history in win Wednesday
James provided 35 points (13-22 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 5-8 FT), 12 rebounds, 14 assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 128-123 win over the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James became the oldest player in NBA history to record three straight triple-doubles, passing the record he previously established in 2019. He's showing no signs of slowing despite being close to turning 40 years old, and the numbers back that up -- even if he doesn't have the same usage rate he had in previous years. James is averaging 26.8 points, 11.7 assists, 9.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game since the beginning of November.
Nov 11, 2024
Triple-double in win over Raptors
James racked up 19 points (6-14 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 10 rebounds, 16 assists and one steal in 35 minutes during Sunday's 123-103 win over Toronto.
ANALYSIS
James delivered his second consecutive triple-double -- and third of the season -- as the Lakers remain undefeated at home this season. James has been on a tear this season and continues to play at an exceptionally high level given his age. He's averaging 23.2 points, 8.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds while playing 34.8 minutes per contest.
Nov 9, 2024
Leads charge with triple-double
James had 21 points (9-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 12 rebounds, 13 assists and three blocks over 34 minutes during Friday's 116-106 victory over the 76ers.
ANALYSIS
D'Angelo Russell was bumped to the bench in this one, so James again took on primary distribution duties -- Austin Reaves (seven) was the only other Laker on the night to record more than three assists. The result was the second triple-double of the season for James and the 114th of his Hall of Fame career, fifth all-time behind Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson and Nikola Jokic. James' 23.7 points a game so far in 2024-25 would be the lowest mark of his career, but that decline is due to lower shot volume, not eroding skills. The 39-year-old is also averaging 8.1 assists, 7.4 boards and 2.7 threes a contests while shooting 52.3 percent from the floor and 47.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Nov 7, 2024
Takes over despite defeat
James supplied 39 points (15-24 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 3-4 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and one steal across 35 minutes during Wednesday's 131-114 loss to the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James embraced a more prominent role on offense with Anthony Davis (ankle) sidelined and both D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves struggling. This resulted in the star forward notching a season-high mark in the scoring column. James has scored at least 25 points in three of his last four appearances and seems to have left a minor "slump" behind -- he's averaging 28.7 points, 9.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds per game since the start of November while shooting 54.4 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Nov 5, 2024
Flirts with triple-double
James closed Monday's 115-103 loss to the Pistons with 20 points (7-16 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds, 11 assists and two steals across 40 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James did everything he could Monday night, but the Lakers fell to 4-3 on the season with this loss. Anthony Davis did suffer an ankle injury in the loss, but he's considered day-to-day. If Davis is unable to play Wednesday against Memphis, James will likely soak up a ton of usage for the Lakers.
Oct 31, 2024
Efficient despite loss Wednesday
James finished Wednesday's 134-110 loss to the Cavaliers with 26 points (9-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-7 FT), six rebounds and three assists across 29 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers were outmatched in this loss Wednesday, but James delivered his most efficient performance of the season from a scoring perspective. He missed just four of his 13 shots from the field en route to clearing the 25-point mark for the second time in five games. James' production has been relatively modest in terms of his lofty standards. He's averaging 21.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists per contest. That's still above average for league standards, but it speaks volumes about how dominant James has been this late into his playing days.
Oct 30, 2024
Good to go
James (illness) is available for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
After an 11-point dud against the Suns on Monday, James said during his postgame interview that he's been dealing with a minor illness, but it's nothing that'll keep him out of game action. James posted 32 points (12-22 FG), 14 rebounds and 10 assists against the Kings on Saturday, but other than that triple-double, his production has been modest given his standards, averaging 16.0 points, 6.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds in his other three appearances.
Oct 30, 2024
Dealing with illness
James is considered probable for Wednesday's game against Cleveland due to an illness, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James joins D'Angelo Russell (back) as probable. James being regarded as probable, instead of questionable, with the afternoon introduction of an illness still puts him on track to play against Cleveland, potentially indicate merely a minor ailment.
Oct 29, 2024
Poor showing Monday
James posted 11 points (3-14 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-6 FT), five rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 36 minutes during Monday's 109-105 loss to the Suns.
ANALYSIS
James drilled a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to keep his streak of games with at least 10 points alive -- a run that has stretched to 1,226 contests. It's worth noting James has failed to reach the 20-point mark in two of his first four appearances this season, and while he's still an above-average fantasy performer by a wide margin, there might be signs of age finally catching up to him in the scoring department, especially now that he's the second option on offense behind Anthony Davis.
Oct 27, 2024
Continues run with triple-double
James registered 32 points (12-22 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 14 rebounds, 10 assists and one block across 34 minutes during Saturday's 131-127 victory over the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James has scored at least 31 points in each of the Lakers' first three games. He's a big reason for the 3-0 record, and his continued production in the twilight of his career is nothing short of remarkable. Along with James, fantasy stock is on the rise for many LA playmakers given the team's red-hot start.
Oct 26, 2024
Playing both ends of back-to-back
James said Friday he will play in Saturday's game against Sacramento, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. He tallied 21 points (7-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-8 FT), eight assists and four rebounds across 35 minutes of Friday's 123-116 win over Phoenix.
ANALYSIS
James missed one game in five of the Lakers' 13 back-to-back sets in 2023-24, so it wasn't a guarantee the 39-year-old would suit up Saturday. However, James confirmed Friday night that he'd play and, per Buha, James said he intends to play in all 82 games, barring injury. After leading the Lakers in scoring last season, James has taken a back seat to Anthony Davis early on, averaging 18.5 points on 14.5 field goal attempts compared to Davis' 35.5 points on 20.5 attempts. Still, James' all-around game makes him a valuable fantasy asset.
Oct 21, 2024
Playing in season opener
James (rest) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers gave James an entire week off to ensure he's fully rested for Opening Night, so he should be available to play a full complement of minutes Tuesday evening.
Oct 17, 2024
To sit again Friday
James, who has already been ruled out of Thursday's preseason game against the Suns for rest purposes, will also be held out of Friday's preseason finale against the Warriors, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers will give the star forward a full week off before the start of the regular season by shutting him down for the final two matchups of the preseason. James is set to begin his age-39 season Tuesday against the Timberwolves.
Oct 17, 2024
Healthy scratch Thursday
James (rest) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Suns, Shane Young of Forbes.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was absent from shootaround earlier in the day, so it appears the team is simply giving him a full day off. He'll have one more chance to play during the preseason Friday against the Warriors.
Oct 17, 2024
Absent from shootaround
James didn't participate in shootaround ahead of Thursday's preseason game versus the Suns, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James hasn't suffered any injury, but his absence from shootaround could indicate the Lakers will hold him out of Thursday's preseason contest. Cam Reddish and Dalton Knecht would likely receive increased playing time if James ultimately doesn't suit up.
Oct 7, 2024
Leading scorer Sunday
James finished Sunday's 124-118 preseason loss to the Suns with 19 points (8-12 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, four assists and two blocks across 16 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James and Anthony Davis were the only Lakers starters to play less than 20 minutes Sunday, but the former still managed to lead the team in points. James' playing time during the preseason will unlikely be more than what he saw Sunday. Los Angeles' next exhibition contest will be against Milwaukee on Thursday.
Oct 6, 2024
Officially available Sunday
James (rest) will play in Sunday's preseason game against the Suns, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will see his first preseason run of the young season Sunday after sitting out the opener Friday. James will likely see limited preseason run as the team evaluates secondary players and potential rotations.
Oct 5, 2024
Plans to play Sunday
James (rest) is expected to play Sunday against the Suns, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
This is probably a decision that will be made Sunday before the game, but all signs point to James being available for Sunday's game against the Suns. That game in Palm Springs will be the Lakers' second preseason game following Friday's loss to the Timberwolves. James is set to play in his 22nd season in the NBA.
Oct 4, 2024
Won't play Friday
James (rest) will be held out of Friday's preseason opener versus the timberwolves, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will likely be under a minutes restriction throughout the preseason, giving coach JJ Reddick a further chance to evaluate the second unit. Reddick said Thursday that both James and Anthony Davis would play at some point this weekend, leaving James to likely make his preseason debut Sunday against the Suns.
Aug 10, 2024
Game-high 10 assists for gold
James tallied 14 points (6-10 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 10 assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block across 32 minutes in Saturday's 98-87 win over France in the gold medal game of the Paris Olympics.
ANALYSIS
James racked up a game-high 10 assists while leading Team USA past France for gold. The squad survived a late comeback from France and Victor Wembanyama, and James did it all in the contest. The 39-year-old served as one of Team USA's top options throughout the Olympics, and the superstar averaged 14.2 points, 8.5 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals across 24.3 minutes per game in six Olympic matchups.
Aug 8, 2024
Helps push USA to gold medal game
James accumulated 16 points (6-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 12 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal in 32 minutes during Thursday's 95-91 semifinal victory over Serbia.
ANALYSIS
James' triple-double was massive in helping Team USA pull off a comeback win from 17 points down. Stephen Curry stole the show with 36 points, however, and Joel Embiid was the only other player with double-digit points (19). The team is set to face France for the gold medal game.
Aug 8, 2024
Good to go in semifinals
James (face) will start Thursday's semifinal matchup against Serbia.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James won't let a few stitches stop him from playing against Nikola Jokic and Serbia in the Olympic semifinal matchup. The winner of Thursday's game plays France in hopes of winning a gold medal.
Aug 7, 2024
Gets stitches after early exit
James took an inadvertent elbow to his face during the third quarter of Tuesday's quarterfinal win over Brazil and needed four stitches before returning to Team USA's bench in the fourth quarter, Karl Rasmussen of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James never checked back into the game after the incident, but he said following the win that he's okay, per Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com. James finished the contest with 12 points, nine assists, three rebounds and three steals in 17 minutes. The 39-year-old superstar continues to be one of Team USA's best all-around players, and he can be considered probable for Thursday's semifinal showdown versus Serbia.
Aug 6, 2024
Does it all in Olympic win
James finished with 12 points (5-6 FG, 2-3 FT), nine assists, three rebounds and three steals across 17 minutes during Tuesday's 122-87 win over Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics.
ANALYSIS
James did it all in Team USA's blowout victory, and he led the squad in assists and steals. Despite playing only 17 minutes in the contest, the superstar made his presence felt on both sides of the ball. The 39-year-old averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds across 22.0 minutes per game in three group-phase contests. James continues to be one of, if not the best all-around player for Team USA in these Olympic games.
Jul 31, 2024
Well-rounded performance Wednesday
James tallied 12 points (5-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six rebounds, five assists and one steal in 21 minutes during Team USA's 103-86 win over South Sudan on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
James led the United States starters in scoring during Wednesday's comfortable victory, and he also became the third player in Team USA history to score at least 300 career points during Olympic play. The 39-year-old was also a well-rounded contributor during Team USA's win over Serbia on Sunday, and he should remain involved as the United States attempts to win a gold medal for a fifth consecutive season.
Jul 28, 2024
Nears triple-double in Olympics win
James totaled 21 points (9-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal across 27 minutes in Team USA's 110-84 win over Serbia in the Paris Olympics on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
James posted the second-highest scoring outing of the matchup, and put up a near triple-double in the blowout win. The 39-year-old continues to be one of the top options for Team USA, and his ability to stuff the stat sheet will be crucial in the squad's quest for gold. James may take a backseat in scoring, especially if Kevin Durant enters the starting lineup. However, he is likely bound to aid the team in any way possible as the star-studded roster looks to continue their dominance in the group phase.
Jul 23, 2024
Game-high 20 points in win Monday
James chipped in 20 points (8-11 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block across 18 minutes in the United States' 92-88 exhibition game win over Germany on Monday.
ANALYSIS
James shot the ball at an efficient rate Monday and led the team in scoring, despite playing only 18 minutes. The 39-year-old has been one of the top options for Team USA in their exhibition matchups leading up to the Paris Olympics. The superstar has also shot over 70 percent from the field in each of the squad's last three matches, and he hit the game-winner against South Sudan in Saturday's 101-100 victory.
Jul 3, 2024
Staying with Lakers
James and the Lakers agreed to a two-year, $104 million contract Wednesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
ANALYSIS
James staying in Los Angeles was never in any real doubt, and he'll now have the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny James. James' contract includes a player option for the second season and a no-trade clause. Heading into his age-40 season, James showed in 2023-24 that he still has plenty left in the tank, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.1 three-pointers during the regular season.
Jun 29, 2024
Expected to enter free agency
James is expected to opt out of his $51.4 million player option, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James intends to opt out of his player option to sign a new deal with the Lakers. Now that the team drafted his son, Bronny James, the expectation is that the 39-year-old returns on a new deal next season that would likely include a no-trade clause. The four-time NBA Champion averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-high 41.0 percent from deep last season.
Apr 30, 2024
Leads LA with 30 points
James produced 30 points (11-21 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 5-7 FT), nine rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in 44 minutes during Monday's 108-106 loss to the Nuggets in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
ANALYSIS
James did everything in his power to extend this opening-round matchup, which included playing all but four minutes of Game 5, but it wasn't enough to get the job done. The 39-year-old forward poured in 30 points in each of the last two games and consistently packed the stat sheet throughout the series, averaging 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.0 blocks over five appearances.
Apr 29, 2024
Available for Game 5
James (ankle) has been cleared to play in Monday's Game 5 against Denver, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James and Anthony Davis (wrist) were each listed as probable to suit up, and they've both been given the green light for Monday's clash. James is coming off a 30-point performance in Game 4 and will need to produce at a high level again in Game 5 to give his team a chance to extend the series.
Apr 28, 2024
Probable for Game 5
James (ankle) is probable for Monday's Game 5 against the Nuggets, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy ahead of Game 5, but he'll likely be able to suit up once again. Over the first four matchups in the series, he's averaged 27.3 points, 8.3 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 40.0 minutes per game.
Apr 28, 2024
Shines with 30-point game Saturday
James ended with 30 points (14-23 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, four assists, one block and three steals over 39 minutes during Saturday's 119-108 victory over the Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers are still alive in the series against the Nuggets, and James became just the fourth player in NBA history to record a 30-point playoff game at the age of 39 or older, joining Reggie Miller, Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in that exclusive list. James has surpassed the 25-point mark in each of the four games in this series, and the Lakers will need him to be at his best once again if they want to avoid elimination in a decisive Game 5 on Monday.
Apr 27, 2024
Cleared to play
James (ankle) is good to go for Saturday's Game 4 versus the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as James was carrying his usual probable tag prior to this update. There's no word of any restrictions ahead of tipoff.
Apr 26, 2024
Listed probable for Game 4
James (ankle) is probable for Saturday's Game 4 versus Denver, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James carrying probable tags due to left ankle soreness is par for the course. Fantasy managers should expect him to suit up with Los Angeles' season on the line, as the Lakers are winless through three games.
Apr 26, 2024
Scores 26 in Game 3 defeat
James produced 26 points (12-20 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, nine assists, one block and two steals across 42 minutes during Thursday's 112-105 loss to the Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference's first round.
ANALYSIS
James had another strong showing, but as has been the trend throughout the series, the Lakers couldn't hold on to their lead and ended up losing, falling into an 0-3 deficit and having their backs against the wall. James has done everything in his power to counter Denver, reaching the 25-point mark in all three of his appearances in the series while averaging 26.3 points, 9.7 assists and 6.7 rebounds across 40.3 minutes per contest.
Apr 25, 2024
Available to play
James (ankle) is available to play in Thursday's Game 3 versus the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As is usually the case, James was carrying a probable tag prior to this update due to lingering left ankle soreness. James is not expected to have any restrictions as the Lakers attempt to pick up their first win of the series.
Apr 24, 2024
Another probable tag
James (ankle) is listed as probable for Thursday's Game 2 against Denver, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as probable for each of the first two games of the series but has averaged 39.5 minutes per contest. Considering he's looked to be 100 percent in both games and has been an injury report mainstay this season, fantasy managers should expect James to be available Thursday.
Apr 23, 2024
Sniffs triple-double in loss
James ended with 26 points (9-19 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 5-7 FT), eight rebounds, 12 assists, two blocks and two steals over 38 minutes during Monday's 101-99 loss to the Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
ANALYSIS
James finished just two rebounds shy of a triple-double Monday, and even though the 39-year-old forward is competing at a high level, it seems the Lakers just keep falling short against Denver. James has recorded at least 25 points, six rebounds and eight assists in each of the first two games of the series, and he should continue to have a high usage rate in Game 3 on Thursday.
Apr 22, 2024
Gets green light
James (ankle) will play in Monday's Game 2 against the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially added to the team's injury report as probable, so this update was expected. He'll need to be a key piece of the puzzle again in Game 2 for the Lakers to have a chance to steal a win on the road.
Apr 21, 2024
Probable for Game 2
James (ankle) is probable for Monday's Game 2 against the Nuggets, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, but he'll likely be able to play through the issue once again Monday as the Lakers attempt to even their first-round series. In Saturday's Game 1 loss, James tallied 27 points, eight assists, six rebounds, a steal and a block in 41 minutes.
Apr 20, 2024
Cools off as Game 1 progresses
James produced 27 points (10-16 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six rebounds, eight assists, one block and one steal across 41 minutes during Saturday's 114-103 loss to the Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
ANALYSIS
James was absolutely dominant in the first half, and his play was instrumental to give the Lakers a three-point lead at the halftime break. However, he cooled off a bit in the second half, though that was mostly because the Nuggets tightened things up defensively against him. James usually finds a way to adjust, and he should continue to operate as the Lakers' main offensive option in Game 2 on Monday.
Apr 20, 2024
Available to face Denver
James (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Game 1 against the Nuggets on Saturday, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed in the injury report pretty much the entire season but has been available for every important game, so there was no doubt that he would play here. Expect him to handle his regular workload, as well as his regular usage rate, in this series opener.
Apr 19, 2024
Probable for Game 1
James (ankle) is listed as probable for Saturday's Game 1 against the Nuggets, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has once again been added to the team's injury report due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, but he should be able to continue to play through the issue. He's coming off a strong showing in Tuesday's Play-In Game against the Pelicans, falling one rebound and one assist shy of a triple-double.
Apr 16, 2024
Flirts with triple-double Tuesday
James registered 23 points (6-20 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 10-10 FT), nine rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and three steals over 41 minutes during Tuesday's 110-106 Play-In Game victory over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James fell just one rebound and one assist short of his second straight triple-double. It continues what has been a fantastic season for James, a campaign that will now last at least another four games. The Nuggets await the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, a matchup that should be a must-watch given the history between the two teams.
Apr 16, 2024
Set to play Tuesday
James (ankle) is available for Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Pelicans, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available Tuesday despite dealing with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy. The superstar forward averaged 31.0 points, 12.5 assists, 8.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocks in 37.5 minutes across his two appearances against New Orleans this season.
Apr 15, 2024
Probable for Tuesday
James (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's Play-In Tournament matchup against the Pelicans, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, but he'll likely be able to suit up as the Lakers begin postseason play Tuesday. He appeared in the team's final three regular-season games and averaged 32.7 points, 11.0 assists, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals in 38.3 minutes per game.
Apr 14, 2024
Ends regular season in style
James produced 28 points (11-20 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 11 rebounds, 17 assists, one block and five steals over 38 minutes during Sunday's 124-108 win over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James was omnipresent Sunday and saved one of his best performances of the season for a game where the Lakers needed him the most. The 17 assists were a season-high mark for James, and this was also his fifth triple-double of the campaign, as he seems to be ready for the Play-In matchup against New Orleans on Tuesday.
Apr 14, 2024
Good to go in New Orleans
James (ankle) will play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Pelicans, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
No suprise here, as James was considered probable heading into the contest. Barring any setbacks, the star forward figures to be in line for his usual workload.
Apr 13, 2024
Probable to play Sunday
James is probable to face the Pelicans on Sunday due to a left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a regular name in the Lakers' injury report this season due to the same ankle injury that landed him here before the season finale, but if past games have taught anything, then James should handle his regular workload in a game that's big for both teams. James is averaging 28.4 points, 9.2 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game since the beginning of April.
Apr 13, 2024
Leads team to crucial victory
James notched 37 points (13-20 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 8-11 FT), nine rebounds, five assists and two steals in 41 minutes during Friday's 123-120 win over the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James led all players in the contest in scoring, outpacing teammate Anthony Davis by one point. Six of James' points came in the final minute of play to help Los Angeles hang on for a big victory in their jostling for position in the Play-In Tournament. The Lakers can clinch the No. 8 seed with a win in Sunday's regular-season finale in New Orleans but could fall to as low as 10th with a loss, so James and the rest of the team's starters figure to suit up and play their full allotment of minutes.
Apr 12, 2024
Suiting up Friday
James (ankle) will play Friday against the Grizzlies, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was tagged as a game-time call due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, and he's been granted the green light to play Friday evening. The star forward is averaging 26.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 10.3 assists and 1.5 steals over four April matchups.
Apr 11, 2024
Questionable for Friday
James is questionable for Friday's game against the Grizzlies due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy.
ANALYSIS
James missed Sunday's game against Minnesota due to an illness, but he returned to action Tuesday against the Warriors and logged 33 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes. He continues to deal with his ankle issue that's plagued him for most of the year, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to suit up Friday.
Apr 10, 2024
Returns with massive double-double
James accumulated 33 points (14-22 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-5 FT), seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals across 36 minutes during Tuesday's 134-120 loss to the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
Anthony Davis' (head) forced James to carry a heavy load, and despite admirable contributions from the rest of the starting lineup, the Lakers couldn't overcome Golden State's offensive onslaught. The Lakers are in direct competition with Golden State as they jockey for playoff position, so this was a costly loss. The Lakers have only two games remaining, and James should take over both games if Davis remains out.
Apr 9, 2024
Set to play against Golden State
James (illness) is available for Tuesday's game versus the Warriors, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available Tuesday after missing the Lakers' previous contest with a non-COVID illness. The superstar forward will likely take on a larger offensive role against the Warriors with Anthony Davis (head) out.
Apr 8, 2024
Game-time call for Tuesday
James (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Warriors, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is still experiencing flu-like symptoms, and as a result, he's in danger of missing his second straight game. The team will likely re-evaluate the star forward in the morning to gauge his availability for Tuesday's contest.
Apr 7, 2024
Out Sunday
James (illness) will not play in Sunday's matchup with the Timberwolves, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has routinely played through questionable designations recently, but Sunday will be an exception. In his absence, Rui Hachimura and Spencer Dinwiddie figure to be the prime beneficiaries. James' next chance to play will come Tuesday against the Warriors.
Apr 7, 2024
Deemed questionable
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
For the most part, James continues to play through a lingering left ankle issue, but he may sit out Sunday's contest because it's the second half of a back-to-back set. On Saturday, he posted 24 points and 12 assists in 36 minutes during a blowout win over Cleveland. If James is sidelined, Rui Hachimura and Spencer Dinwiddie would be candidates for increased usage.
Apr 6, 2024
Impressive double-double
James contributed 24 points (10-18 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-5 FT), five rebounds, 12 assists, one block and one steal over 36 minutes during Saturday's 116-97 victory over the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
James had a rough night from beyond the arc, but that was perhaps the only category in which he could've done better. James recorded an impressive double-double while also making his presence felt on the glass and the defensive end, and this was his 16th game with 10 or more assists this season. James has also notched two double-doubles and one triple-double across his last six contests.
Apr 6, 2024
Good to go Saturday
James (ankle) is available and in the starting lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cavaliers, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available despite dealing with a lingering ankle injury for the sixth straight game Saturday. The superstar forward is averaging 25.4 points, 8.6 assists and 8.4 rebounds in 34.4 minutes across his last five outings.
Apr 5, 2024
Gets another questionable tag
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Questionable tags have become the norm for James as he continues to battle lingering soreness. James logged 36 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Wizards, finishing with 25 points (9-18 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 7-9 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals.
Apr 3, 2024
Available for Wednesday
James (ankle) will be available for Wednesday's game against the Wizards, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will continue to power through his ankle issue, although he could take an early seat on the bench if the game devolves into a blowout considering this is the second game of a back-to-back. He's safe to activate in season-long settings but is a semi-risky target in daily fantasy leagues.
Apr 3, 2024
Listed as questionable
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Wizards, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James carrying questionable tags is par for the course, so fantasy managers won't get much clarity from the injury reports. After Tuesday's game against the Raptors, coach Darvin Ham said he anticipated that James and Anthony Davis (knee) would both play.
Apr 3, 2024
Pops for 23 in laugher
James had 23 points (10-12 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-5 FT), four rebounds and nine assists across 29 minutes during Tuesday's 128-111 win over the Raptors.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers were up by 21 points heading into the fourth quarter, so James got some extra rest and missed a chance to collect his 25th double-double of the season. The 39-year-old has scored 20 or more points in seven of his last eight games and has averaged 26.6 points, 8.6 assists, 7.9 boards and 2.3 threes over that stretch while shooting a blistering 61.1 percent from the floor and 56.3 percent (18-for-32) from beyond the arc.
Apr 2, 2024
Expected to play Wednesday
James is expected to play Wednesday against the Wizards according to coach Darvin Ham, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James played just 29 minutes in Tuesday's 128-111 win over Toronto, so the light workload helps his case according to Ham. James finished with 23 points (10-12 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-5 FT), nine assists and four rebounds.
Apr 2, 2024
Will play versus Toronto
James (ankle) is good to go for Tuesday's game against the Raptors, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James and Anthony Davis (knee) have been cleared for action Tuesday, bringing the Lakers' typical rotation to full strength. James posted 22 points (8-17 FG), five rebounds and 12 assists against Toronto in a Jan. 9 victory.
Apr 2, 2024
Expected to play
James is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Raptors due to an ankle injury, but he's expected to play, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
James and Anthony Davis (knee) are both expected to play despite being listed as questionable again. James has appeared in three straight games and averaged 26.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 35.7 minutes during that stretch.
Apr 1, 2024
Questionable for Tuesday
James (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Toronto, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, but he's suited up in three consecutive games. Across that span, he's averaged 26.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 35.7 minutes per game, so it seems unlikely that he'll face limitations if he's available again Tuesday.
Mar 31, 2024
Season-best game in 40-point outing
James notched 40 points (13-17 FG, 9-10 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven rebounds and five assists over 37 minutes in Sunday's 116-104 win over Brooklyn.
ANALYSIS
James entered Sunday's contest questionable with an ankle issue, but took the court while leading all players in the game in scoring while setting a new season high in threes made in a winning effort. James, who also added a handful of assists and finished three rebounds shy of the double-digit mark, tied a season high in scoring while notching his third game of the year with 40 points. James has recorded two of those 40-point outings over his last seven outings.
Mar 31, 2024
Will play Sunday
James (ankle) is available and will start Sunday's game against the Nets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James and Anthony Davis (knee) will both be available after garnering questionable tags. Over his last eight appearances, James has averaged 24.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists in 36.4 minutes per game.
Mar 30, 2024
Listed as questionable for Sunday
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Nets, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNetreports.
ANALYSIS
James carrying questionable tags is par for the course, so fantasy managers won't get much clarity here. He seemed fine Friday against the Pacers, finishing with 16 points (6-12 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes.
Mar 30, 2024
Teases triple-double in loss
James posted 16 points (6-12 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes during Friday's 109-90 loss to Indiana.
ANALYSIS
The future Hall of Famer came with a couple dimes of his fifth triple-double of the season, instead settling for his 24th double-double. James has missed two games in March as he plays through an ankle issue, but the 39-year-old remains productive when he's on the court and has averaged 24.8 points, 9.4 assists, 8.5 boards, 1.5 threes and 0.9 steals through 11 contests on the month.
Mar 29, 2024
Good to go Friday
James (ankle) is available for Friday's game versus the Pacers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available despite dealing with an ankle injury for the second straight contest. The superstar forward is averaging 25.7 points, 9.5 assists, 8.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 36.0 minutes across his last 10 appearances.
Mar 28, 2024
Iffy against Indiana
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a left ankle injury that will likely cause him to be listed as questionable ahead of every contest for the remainder of the season. If the superstar forward is ruled out, Taurean Prince and Cam Reddish are candidates to receive increased playing time.
Mar 28, 2024
Returns to court with triple-double
James chipped in 23 points (8-14 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 7-11 FT), 14 rebounds, 12 assists and one steal over 35 minutes during Wednesday's 136-124 win over the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James sat out the Lakers' marathon double-overtime victory against Milwaukee on Tuesday, but he returned for the second night of the team's back-to-back set Wednesday while Anthony Davis (knee) sat out. The future Hall of Famer led Los Angeles in both rebounds (14) and assists (12) in the victory while finishing tied for second on the club in scoring with 23 points on a healthy 8-for-14 shooting line. The triple-double was James' fourth of the season and his first since he put up a 36/20/12 line against the Warriors on Jan. 27. The Lakers have won five straight and are making a late-season push to move up in the standings, so James should avoid sitting out for rest purposes for the most part, though it's worth noting that the team has two back-to-back sets remaining on the schedule.
Mar 27, 2024
Will play Wednesday
James (ankle) will play Wednesday against the Grizzlies, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Anthony Davis (knee) will hit the sidelines for Wednesday's game, so James figures to be very busy on offense, making him an attractive target in daily fantasy leagues. Season-long managers should ensure they have King James active.
Mar 27, 2024
Officially deemed questionable
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was unavailable for Tuesday's game against the Bucks, but he expects to return for the second half of the back-to-back set, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com. The 39-year-old has made nine appearances in March, averaging 26.0 points, 9.2 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 36.1 minutes per game.
Mar 26, 2024
Expected to play Wednesday
James (ankle) is expected to play in Wednesday's game versus the Grizzlies, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
An ankle injury to James has sidelined him for Tuesday's game versus Milwaukee. While James is expected to suit up Wednesday, the superstar forward indicated that he may have to sit out further games down the stretch of the regular season.
Mar 26, 2024
Officially out Tuesday
James (ankle) is out Tuesday versus Milwaukee, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James being sidelined for Tuesday's game is the expected outcome after he was initially listed with a doubtful designation. His next opportunity to take the court comes as the Lakers close the back-to-back set Wednesday versus Memphis. Rui Hachimura is averaging 16.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in nine prior contests when James has been inactive this season.
Mar 25, 2024
Likely unavailable Tuesday
James is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's game against Milwaukee due to left ankle tendinopathy.
ANALYSIS
James appears on track to sit the front half of a upcoming back-to-back set against Milwaukee and Memphis, respectively. Tuesday could mark the first instance of James sitting in a back-to-back since Feb. 22, although he has yet to be officially ruled out. Anthony Davis (bilateral Achilles tendinopathy) is considered probable.
Mar 24, 2024
Available for Sunday's game
James (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James was questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup but will be able to suit up despite his ankle injury once again. Over his last five appearances, he's averaged 26.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists in 36.6 minutes per game.
Mar 23, 2024
Questionable to face Pacers
James is questionable to face the Pacers on Sunday due to a left ankle injury.
ANALYSIS
Similar to the case of Anthony Davis (Achilles), James has been pretty much a mainstay in the Lakers' injury reports throughout the season, but more often than not, he's been able to play without limitations, and that's expected to be the case Sunday. James is averaging 26.0 points, 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game since the beginning of March.
Mar 23, 2024
Scores 20 against Philly
James provided 20 points (7-15 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-7 FT), eight rebounds, six assists and one block over 38 minutes during Friday's 101-94 victory over the 76ers.
ANALYSIS
While James continues to be listed on the injury report with an ankle issue, it doesn't seem to be slowing him down. Over 12 games since the All-Star break, the future Hall of Famer has averaged 27.6 points, 9.3 assists, 7.3 boards, 2.3 threes and 1.0 steals while shooting 57.7 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Mar 22, 2024
Good to go
James (ankle) will play in Friday's matchup with the 76ers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has routinely been playing through questionable designations and Friday will be no different. Barring any setbacks, the star forward will presumably take on his usual workload.
Mar 21, 2024
Questionable for Friday
James (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the 76ers.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as "questionable" the past four games for Los Angeles, but he's yet to miss a game, so he feels a bit closer to probable for Friday night. Managers can expect to can official confirmation on his status closer to tip-off.
Mar 19, 2024
Nears triple-double in 29 minutes
James accumulated 25 points (10-14 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds and 10 assists over 29 minutes during Monday's 136-105 victory over Atlanta.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers' ability to put the game away by the end of the third quarter allowed James to rest a bit, as the 29 minutes he logged marked his lowest total since Jan. 11. The decreased time on the court didn't affect the future Hall of Famer's production, however, as he posted his fourth double-double across his past six games and finished just three boards shy of a triple-double. James has shown no signs of slowing down late in his age-39 season, as he's scored at least 25 points and notched at least eight assists in 10 of his 12 games since the All-Star break.
Mar 18, 2024
Officially active Monday
James (ankle) will play Monday versus Atlanta, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up for his fourth consecutive contest Monday, and he enters averaging 29.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 38.7 minutes across his last three appearances. The 39-year-old dropped 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in a Jan. 30 loss to Atlanta -- representing the only other meeting between these two teams this season.
Mar 17, 2024
Questionable against Hawks
James (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
James continues to receive questionable designations ahead of each contest due to a lingering ankle issue, so this is not much of an indicator of his potential availability. If he is unavailable, Rui Hachimura and Taurean Prince could see increased playing time.
Mar 17, 2024
Sniffs triple-double in loss
James chipped in 40 points (15-23 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 7-8 FT), eight rebounds, nine assists, one block and one steal across 38 minutes during Saturday's 128-121 loss to the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James was forced to carry a heavier load on offense after Anthony Davis (eye) left the game in the first half. While he delivered one of his best all-around efforts of the season, it wasn't enough to lift the Lakers to victory in this pivotal matchup against a direct opponent in the playoff race. James has been thriving as a playmaker in recent weeks, recording seven or more assists in 14 straight appearances. He's averaging 27.4 points, 9.4 assists and 6.5 rebounds per game in that 14-game stretch.
Mar 16, 2024
Starting vs. Golden State
James (ankle is in the starting lineup to face the Warriors on Saturday, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed in almost every single injury report for the Lakers this season, but as has been the case more often than not, he'll suit up and handle his regular workload in this thrilling divisional matchup. James is averaging 24.6 points, 9.6 assists and 8.2 rebounds per game since the beginning of March.
Mar 15, 2024
Questionable for Saturday
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
Questionable tags are par for the course with James as he continues to battle left ankle soreness, so this isn't much for fantasy managers to go on. In Wednesday's loss to the Kings, James produced 18 points (6-16 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 13 rebounds, nine assists and two steals across 40 minutes.
Mar 14, 2024
Off his game Wednesday
James racked up 18 points (6-16 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 13 rebounds, nine assists and two steals across 40 minutes during Wednesday's 120-107 loss to the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James did not score until the second quarter of Wednesday's contest, failing to hit his threes or convert at the basket -- although his propensity to get downhill was on display in the first quarter to no avail. He also posted five turnovers in an uncharacteristically subpar all-around performance. James could have fueled for a big bounce-back Saturday against Golden State.
Mar 13, 2024
Set to play against Sacramento
James (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Kings, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite dealing with a nagging ankle issue, James has been upgraded from questionable to available for the second straight game Wednesday. The superstar forward is averaging 27.2 points, 9.6 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 36.2 minutes across his last five outings.
Mar 13, 2024
Participates in shootaround
James (ankle) was seen going through shootaround ahead of Wednesday's game versus the Kings, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James is officially listed as questionable Wednesday due to a left ankle injury. However, the superstar forward's participation in shootaround is a good sign of his availability against Sacramento.
Mar 12, 2024
Nabs another questionable tag
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Kings, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with an ankle injury but has played in eight of the Lakers' last nine contests. If James suits up Sunday, he will have extra time to rest with the team's next game coming on Saturday against Golden State.
Mar 11, 2024
Flirts with triple-double in win
James closed with 29 points (10-16 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 7-9 FT), eight rebounds and nine assists in 38 minutes during Sunday's 120-109 victory over Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Although Anthony Davis had the biggest game against the short-handed Timberwolves, James led all scorers and finished a couple of assists and rebounds short of a triple-double. Without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), the Timberwolves may be in for a tumble down the rankings in the West, but James needs to keep the pedal on the gas for the Lakers to stay where they are on the list.
Mar 10, 2024
Gets green light
James (ankle) is good to go for Sunday's matchup with the Timberwolves, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is set to return from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury. Look for the star forward to resume his usual responsibilities assuming he avoids any setbacks in the contest.
Mar 9, 2024
Questionable against Minnesota
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against Minnesota, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Fantasy managers won't have much clarity after this update, as questionable tags are the norm for James. There's likely to be an update after the morning shootaround. In addition to James, Anthony Davis (shoulder) is also questionable.
Mar 8, 2024
Downgraded to out Friday
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bucks, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James left Wednesday's loss to the Kings with just under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the issue was downplayed, and he was deemed questionable for Friday. He's now been downgraded to out and will miss his ninth game of the season, but the severity of the left ankle sprain remains unclear. James' next chance to suit up will come Sunday versus Minnesota.
Mar 7, 2024
Listed as questionable for Friday
James (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Bucks.
ANALYSIS
James left Wednesday's game versus the Kings early with 3:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, but this update doesn't reveal much since he usually always carries this same questionable tag. There will likely be more clarity following the morning shootaround.
Mar 7, 2024
Leads team with 31 points
James had 31 points (10-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 10-10 FT), five rebounds, 13 assists and one steal in 36 minutes during Wednesday's 130-120 loss to the Kings.
ANALYSIS
Although the Kings ultimately prevailed, they had trouble keeping James in check. The Lakers have now dropped two of their last three games, and the team's desperation to notch W's is evident. It's around this time that James starts to take matters into his own hands, and that should result in lower assist totals for him down the stretch.
Mar 6, 2024
Will play Wednesday
James (ankle) is good to go for Wednesday's game against the Kings, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was once again upgraded to active after being initially tabbed questionable due to a lingering ankle injury. He's averaging 28.0 points, 9.2 assists and 6.5 rebounds over his last six games.
Mar 5, 2024
Listed as questionable
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Kings, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Questionable tags have become the norm for James, and his left ankle is something he'll likely have to manage for a while. The good news for the Lakers is that their next back-to-back set doesn't begin until March 26.
Mar 5, 2024
Flirts with triple-double
James supplied 19 points (7-14 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 11 rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 31 minutes during Monday's 116-104 victory over the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James kept the ball rolling after making history with his 40, 000th point against Denver Saturday evening. His lingering ankle injury didn't seem to be an issue, but he eventually took a seat for most of the fourth quarter once the game was well in hand. James would have almost certainly recorded his fourth triple-double of the season if he stayed on the floor, but the extra rest will help immensely when they face the Kings Wednesday evening.
Mar 4, 2024
Will play vs. Thunder
James (ankle) has been cleared to play Monday night against Oklahoma City, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was added to the injury report as a game-time decision due to an ankle injury, but he's since been given the green light from the Lakers' training staff. The 39-year-old is averaging 29.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 1.4 steals in his last five games.
Mar 3, 2024
Questionable for Monday
James is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Thunder due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with this ankle issue for a couple of weeks at this point, but he has played in five consecutive games without limitations. His status will likely be determined based on how he is feeling just ahead of game time. Cam Reddish (ankle, probable), Rui Hachimura and Taurean Prince could all see extra minutes if James is unable to go.
Mar 3, 2024
Top scorer in near double-double
James registered 26 points (12-20 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 0-2 FT), four rebounds, nine assists and three steals over 37 minutes during Saturday's 124-114 loss to the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James led all Lakers players in scoring with a team-leading trio of threes despite entering the game with a questionable tag due to a lingering ankle issue. James, who ended one assist shy of a double-double, led all players in shots made and continues to lead Los Angeles even while not being 100 percent. James has scored 24 or more points in 10 straight appearances, nothing at least 25 points, eight assists and four rebounds in five contests in a row.
Mar 2, 2024
Will play Saturday
James (ankle) will play in Saturday's game versus Denver, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.comreports.
ANALYSIS
James will play in his fourth straight game Saturday despite the lingering ankle soreness that has made him a regular on the injury report. Anthony Davis (Achilles) also has the green light to suit up.
Mar 1, 2024
Gets questionable tag
The Lakers have listed James as questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Nuggets due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has routinely been on Los Angeles' injury report with this left ankle injury, but he has been available for the previous three games without significant limitations. His status Saturday will presumably depend on how his ankle is feeling closer to game time. Some combination of Cam Reddish (ankle), Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura would presumably absorb James' minutes if the Lakers ultimately opt to err on the side of caution.
Mar 1, 2024
Follows up with 31-point effort
James provided 31 points (12-24 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-7 FT), four rebounds, nine assists, one block and one steal across 39 minutes during Thursday's 134-131 overtime victory over the Wizards.
ANALYSIS
After spurring a dramatic late-game rally to upend the Clippers Wednesday night, the ageless 39-year-old showed no signs of fatigue as he turned in a brilliant overtime stanza to hold off the Wixards. It wouldn't have been surprising to see James take a seat in the back-to-back, but every game counts for the Lakers down the stretch as they try to squeak into the playoffs. The Lakers have no back-to-back games in the coming week, and barring a re-aggravation of his ankle injury, he should be able to take the court for every contest.
Feb 29, 2024
Available versus Wizards
James (ankle) is available for Thursday's game versus the Wizards, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thursday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, and a maintenance day was on the table prior to this update. However, James will suit up for a fourth straight game, and coach Darvin Ham did not mention any restrictions.
Feb 29, 2024
Expected to play Thursday
James (ankle), who is questionable for Thursday's game against the Wizards, is expected to play, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has appeared in the last three matchups and will likely be cleared to play once again ahead of Thursday's game. Over eight appearances this month, he's averaged 26.6 points, 8.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 36.5 minutes per game.
Feb 29, 2024
Questionable for Thursday
James (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Wizards, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, but he's been available for the past three matchups and hasn't appeared to have significant limitations. Across those three appearances, he's averaged 30.7 points, 9.7 assists and 6.7 rebounds in 36.0 minutes per game. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available Thursday, but he should have a chance to make a significant impact if he's able to suit up.
Feb 29, 2024
Sparks massive rally in win
James totaled 34 points (13-21 FG, 7-12 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 116-112 victory over the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
James scored 19 points in the fourth quarter, almost single-handedly erasing the Lakers' 21-point deficit to steal a critical win from one of the NBA's best teams. James drained a season-high seven three-pointers during the dramatic victory and showed ni ill effects from the ankle injury that has troubled him. The All-Star has been stellar recently, averaging 30.7 points, 9.7 assists and 6.7 rebounds over the past three games.
Feb 28, 2024
Cleared to face Clippers
James (ankle) will play in Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up Wednesday after initially snagging a questionable tag due to tendinitis in his left ankle. During his last seven appearances, James is averaging 25.6 points, 8.9 assists and 5.3 rebounds.
Feb 27, 2024
Questionable for Wednesday
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Clippers, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with lingering left ankle tendinopathy and is in danger of missing the first leg of the Lakers' back-to-back Tuesday. Max Christie, Cam Reddish (ankle) and Taurean Prince are candidates to receive increased playing time if James is ruled out.
Feb 25, 2024
Lifts offense in double-double game
James supplied 28 points (12-19 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-4 FT), seven rebounds, 12 assists, one block and two steals over 37 minutes during Sunday's 123-113 loss to the Suns.
ANALYSIS
James lifted the Lakers offense despite being a game-time decision with an ankle injury, leading all players in Sunday's contest in scoring and assists in a well-rounded double-double performance. James has handed out 10 or more assists in 11 games this season, recording at least 25 points, 10 assists and five rebounds on five occasions.
Feb 25, 2024
Suiting up Sunday
James (ankle) will play Sunday versus Phoenix, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James and Anthony Davis (Achilles/hip) have both been cleared for action Sunday, while Cam Reddish (ankle) has been ruled out. James has been middling, by his lofty standards, across four prior games against the Suns this season, averaging 18.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists.
Feb 25, 2024
Game-time decision Sunday
James (ankle) is a game-time decision for Sunday's game against Phoenix, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James not playing Thursday in the first contest following the All-Star break was a red flag regarding his ankle, but he returned to a 34-minute workload Friday, so Los Angeles' being in a back-to-back set granted a reasonable rationale for precaution with his recovery. However, it appears his left ankle peronealtendinopathy continues to legitimately nag at him, and he is joined by Anthony Davis (Achilles/hip) and Cam Reddish (ankle) as game-time decisions Sunday.
Feb 24, 2024
Appears on injury report
James has been included on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Suns due to a left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's not surprising to see James listed on the injury report, as that has been a trend all season long. He's coming off a 30-point, nine-assist, seven-rebound performance against the Spurs on Friday, and barring any late setback, he should handle his regular workload Sunday against another playoff contender in the Suns.
Feb 24, 2024
Drops 30 in win
James produced 30 points (13-22 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, nine assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Friday's 123-118 win over the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
James returned from a two-game absence that extended back to the final game before the All-Star break and looked fully rested. The star forward has averaged 25.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.6 blocks and 2.0 triples across 37.4 minutes over his last ten games. He has been a regular on the injury report due to the ankle issue he has been monitoring, which is a trend that will presumably continue going forward.
Feb 23, 2024
Available against Spurs
James (ankle) will play in Friday's game against the Spurs, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite playing in the All-Star game, James was held out Thursday against the Warriors to give his ankle extra time to heal. While there's no word of any restrictions, it's likely that the Lakers will be monitoring him closely.
Feb 23, 2024
Officially probable
James (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Spurs, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Darvin Ham said after Thursday's loss to the Warriors that James would "in all likelihood" play the second half of Los Angeles' back-to-back set, and the probable tag confirms that statement. While James is expected to suit up after resting Thursday, Anthony Davis (Achilles/hip) is questionable, so the Lakers may still be down a star player.
Feb 23, 2024
Should suit up Friday
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said after Thursday's 128-110 loss to the Warriors that James (ankle) will "in all likelihood" play Friday versus the Spurs, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
After playing light minutes in this past Sunday's All-Star Game while he continues to experience left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, James was held out for the front end of the Lakers' back-to-back set to open the team's second-half schedule. Fortunately for James and the Lakers, his absence Thursday looks to have been maintenance-related more than anything else. The Lakers' training staff will presumably re-evaluate James early Friday, but if he reports no renewed soreness in his ankle, he should be cleared ahead of the 10:30 p.m. ET tipoff. Expect James to handle his normal minutes load if he plays.
Feb 21, 2024
Won't play against Golden State
James (ankle) is out for Thursday's game versus the Warriors, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss his second straight game Thursday after receiving treatment on his left ankle over the All-Star break. Cam Reddish (ankle), Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura are candidates to receive increased playing time in his absence. James' next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with San Antonio.
Feb 18, 2024
Uncertain for Thursday's matchup
James said after Sunday's All-Star Game that the treatment he'll receive on his left ankle in the coming days could "possibly" sideline him for Thursday's game against Golden State, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was unavailable for the Lakers' game against the Jazz on Wednesday due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, but he started the All-Star Game. However, he didn't play in the second half of the matchup after saying before the game that he expected to have a minutes restriction. Before his departure, he logged eight points (4-10 FG, 0-3 3Pt), four rebounds and three assists in 14 minutes. A better idea of James' status for Thursday's game could come into focus based on how he responds to his treatment.
Feb 18, 2024
Has minutes limit for All-Star Game
James (ankle) will have an undisclosed minutes restriction during Sunday's All-Star Game, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed Wednesday's game against the Jazz due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, an issue he's dealt with for several weeks. He sat out Saturday's NBA All-Star practice but will serve as a captain and start for the Western Conference. James didn't give a specific number of minutes that he planned to play Sunday, but he said he's looking forward to playing with some of the younger players in the All-Star Game before calling it a night. He received treatment ahead of the All-Star game and will continue to receive treatment this week before the Lakers resume play Thursday against the Warriors.
Feb 18, 2024
Ready for 20th All-Star Game
James (ankle) didn't take part in Saturday's NBA All-Star practice but is still slated to serve as a captain and start for the Western Conference in Sunday's All-Star Game in Indianapolis, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James sat out the Lakers' final game before the All-Star break Wednesday in Utah due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, though his absence in Los Angeles' 138-122 win was mainly for maintenance purposes in the second leg of a back-to-back set after he logged 31 minutes a night earlier in a 125-111 victory over Detroit. His absence from Saturday's practice doesn't look to be a result of any lingering concern with the ankle issue, either, as James notably sat out the pre-All-Star Game practice session in 2023 before playing in the exhibition a day later. He'll be making his NBA-record 20th All-Star Game appearance Sunday and will be joined in the starting five by Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic.
Feb 14, 2024
Says he won't play Wednesday
James (ankle) said after Tuesday's win over Detroit that he won't play Wednesday against the Jazz, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James appeared in the Lakers' last five games and didn't appear to have significant limitations, as he averaged 24.2 points, 8.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 36.8 minutes per game. However, he's been dealing with an ankle issue in recent weeks and will sit out the second half of a back-to-back set to give him extra rest ahead of the All-Star break. Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura are candidates to handle increased run Wednesday.
Feb 13, 2024
Will play Tuesday
James (ankle) will play in Tuesday's game versus Detroit, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNetreports.
ANALYSIS
Questionable tags are usually par for the course with James, so it's not a surprise to see him suit up for his fifth straight game. There's no word of any restrictions heading into tipoff.
Feb 12, 2024
Questionable for Tuesday
James is questionable for Tuesday's game against Detroit due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Michael Corvo of ClutchPoints reports.
ANALYSIS
James has suited up in the Lakers past four contest, averaging 24.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 38.3 minutes per game. Precedence puts him on track to play Tuesday, but his status will need to be monitored.
Feb 9, 2024
Available Friday
James (ankle) will play in Friday's tilt against the Pelicans, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has routinely been receiving questionable designations and playing through it, and that wil continue to be the case Friday. Look for the star veteran to assume his usual responsibilities assuming he avoids any setbacks.
Feb 9, 2024
Nabs another questionable tag
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James continues to receive questionable tags due to a left ankle injury but has suited up in each of the Lakers' last three contests. If the superstar forward is able to play Friday, he will have extra time to recover ahead of Tuesday's matchup with Detroit.
Feb 9, 2024
Teases triple-double against Denver
James posted 25 points (9-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal over 35 minutes during Thursday's 114-106 loss to the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
The 39-year-old continues to put up numbers that most players a decade younger would be envious of. James has scored at least 20 points in 11 straight games, averaging 25.5 points, 8.0 boards, 7.7 assists, 2.0 threes and 0.8 steals over that stretch while shooting 51.4 percent from the floor. The Lakers are doing their best to watch his workload and try to keep him fresh for a playoff push, but after standing pat at the trade deadline, it will be that much tougher for the team to find opportunities to rest James.
Feb 8, 2024
Available for Thursday
James (ankle) will be available to play Thursday against the Nuggets, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James will continue to power through the ankle issue, and he should be slated for his usual heavy minutes. Feel free to get him active.
Feb 7, 2024
Handed questionable designation
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Nuggets, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been battling tendinopathy in his left ankle and has missed three of the Lakers' last 13 games due to the issue. With Thursday's contest the first of a back-to-back James could be in line for an off night. If he can't go, Taurean Prince and Max Christie will likely garner larger workloads.
Feb 6, 2024
Hits for 26 in Monday's win
James recorded 26 points (12-22 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal in 40 minutes during Monday's 124-118 win over the Hornets.
ANALYSIS
While a lingering ankle injury has sidelined him twice in the Lakers' last eight games, James remains productive when he's on the court and has scored 20 or more points in 10 straight contests. During that stretch, the future Hall of Famer is averaging 25.6 points, 7.9 boards, 7.8 assists, 2.0 threes and 0.8 steals while shooting 52.1 percent from the floor.
Feb 5, 2024
Will play Monday
James (ankle) has been cleared to play in Monday's game against Charlotte, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been on a tear in his 21st season, averaging 24.9 points, 7.6 assists, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks across 34.9 minutes. What's even more impressive is that he has cashed in on at least two three-pointers in his last eight games, averaging 43.2 percent from that distance (and 39.8 percent on the season).
Feb 4, 2024
Questionable for Monday
James (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Hornets, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James returned to action Saturday against the Knicks and tallied 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block in 40 minutes. While he continues to deal with an ankle injury, it seems unlikely that he'll face significant limitations if he's cleared to suit up Monday.
Feb 4, 2024
King of the Apple
James accumulated 24 points (10-19 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals across 40 minutes during Saturday's 113-105 victory over the Knicks.
ANALYSIS
James notched his ninth consecutive 20-point game, bringing his grand total to 35 20-point games across 45 appearances this season. His athleticism is still excelling, as James ranks in the 85th percentile for transition frequency and 73rd for transition efficiency among all players this season.
Feb 3, 2024
Good to go
James (ankle) will be available for Saturday's game against the Knicks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This was the expectation after James made it through shootaround without any setbacks. James was held out of Thursday's game due to his ongoing ankle concerns, but he's no stranger to playing through this issue.
Feb 3, 2024
Active at shootaround
James (ankle) was present for the Lakers' morning shootaround in advance of Saturday's game against the Knicks, Michael Corvo of ClutchPoints reports.
ANALYSIS
James expressed optimism for suiting up Saturday, showing excitement to play in New York City but simultaneously noting his nagging health concerns. James is officially listed as questionable, but he appears tentatively on track to play.
Feb 2, 2024
Questionable for Saturday
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Knicks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed Thursday's game against the Celtics, but he'll be in the mix to return against New York despite his lingering ankle issue. If James remains sidelined, Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood are candidates to see increased roles.
Feb 1, 2024
Won't play Thursday
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Celtics, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has dealt with an ankle injury in recent weeks, but he was able to play in both halves of a back-to-back set Monday and Tuesday. However, James and Anthony Davis (Achilles) will both be sidelined for Thursday's matchup, which will likely open up additional minutes for Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood. James' next chance to suit up will be Saturday against the Knicks.
Jan 31, 2024
Listed as questionable
James is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Celtics due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite battling an ongoing ankle issue, James played in both halves of the Lakers' recent back-to-back set and saw 37 and 36 minutes, respectively, in those contests. Anthony Davis (Achilles/hip) is also questionable, so as usual, fantasy managers will likely have to wait until pregame warmups to have clarity on both superstars' availability.
Jan 31, 2024
Teases triple-double in Atlanta
James finished with 20 points (7-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-9 FT), nine rebounds, eight assists, one block and one steal in 36 minutes during Tuesday's 138-122 loss to the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
The future Hall of Famer scored at least 20 points for the eighth straight games, averaging 25.8 points, 8.8 boards, 8.3 assists and 2.3 threes over that stretch while shooting 51.6 percent from the floor and 43.9 percent from beyond the arc. Antonio Davis (Achilles/hip) didn't play Tuesday and could miss additional time, putting additional pressure on the 39-year-old James to continue handling a massive workload and stay productive.
Jan 30, 2024
Good to go Tuesday
James (ankle) has been cleared to play in Tuesday's game against the Hawks, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James played 37 minutes during Monday's game against Houston, but he'll power through his ankle injury again for the second leg of this back-to-back set. And with Anthony Davis sitting out with Achilles and hip issues, James will be looking at even more usage Tuesday evening.
Jan 30, 2024
Officially questionable
James (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hawks, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James played 37 minutes during Monday's 135-119 loss to Houston, and the Lakers said the veteran's availability for Tuesday's contest would be determined following the team's morning shootaround. However, fantasy managers will now have to likely wait until pregame warmups to get James' official availability. James said Monday night he plans to play versus Atlanta, so he's trending closer to probable at this point.
Jan 29, 2024
Status uncertain vs. Hawks
The Lakers will determine if James (ankle) will play against Atlanta by Tuesday morning, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. He finished with 23 points (9-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-8 FT), six rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and one block in 37 minutes during Monday's 135-119 loss to the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
It wouldn't be a surprise if the Lakers elect to hold James out of the second half of back-to-back, especially after the 39-year-old logged 37 minutes Monday and 48 minutes Saturday against Golden State. The team will likely evaluate the star forward Tuesday morning and should have a decision on his availability shortly after, per Buha.
Jan 29, 2024
Good to go Monday
James (ankle) will play Monday versus Houston, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up for his third consecutive contest, coming off a monster 36-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist performance in 48 minutes Saturday against Golden State. Anthony Davis (Achilles) is trending in the right direction to join him in action Monday.
Jan 28, 2024
Listed questionable against Houston
James is questionable for Monday's game against the Rockets due to a left ankle injury, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the Lakers' injury report throughout the season, so it comes as no surprise to see him listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game, especially with him playing 48 minutes in Saturday's OT win over the Warriors. If he is unable to go, Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura could be in line for extended minutes.
Jan 28, 2024
Massive triple-double in 2OT win
James registered 36 points (14-25 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 20 rebounds and 12 assists across 48 minutes during Saturday's 145-144 double-overtime win over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
The 20 boards were a career high for the future Hall of Famer, while the triple-double was his third of the season and the 110th of his career -- fifth on the all-time list. James has scored more than 20 points in nine of his last 10 games, averaging 25.2 points, 8.3 assists, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 threes and 1.1 steals over that stretch while shooting 50.0 percent from the floor and 41.2 percent (21-for-51) from beyond the arc. The Lakers keep trying to find ways to reduce the 39-year-old's workload with an eye on keeping him fresh for the playoffs, but James isn't actually showing signs of wearing down.
Jan 27, 2024
Cleared for action Saturday
James (ankle) will play in Saturday's game against the Warriors,Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was handed a questionable tag with a left ankle injury, but he'll end up taking on the Warriors. In his last five games, James is averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 assists and 7.0 rebounds.
Jan 26, 2024
Gets questionable tag
James is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors due to a left ankle injury, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James returned from a one-game absence in Thursday's 141-132 victory versus the Bulls. The veteran star accumulated 25 points (10-19 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals over 36 minutes in the contest. It is not surprising to see the Lakers exercising caution with his questionable designation heading into Saturday's game. Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura would be candidates for increased workloads if James ultimately cannot go.
Jan 26, 2024
Returns with double-double
James accumulated 25 points (10-19 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals over 36 minutes during Thursday's 141-132 win over the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
James returned to action and led a brilliant shooting night for the Lakers, who scored 112 points through three quarters and went 60.9 percent from the floor as a team. James and Anthony Davis are finally getting tthe support they need, and it couldn't come at a better time as they launch a long road trip.
Jan 25, 2024
Will play vs. Bulls
James (ankle) has been cleared to play Thursday against Chicago, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Davin Ham stated in his pre-game presser that he expected James to go, and the team has given him the green light after he made it through warmups without issue. James has put up 24 or more points in each of his last four matchups.
Jan 25, 2024
Trending in right direction
James (ankle) is expected to play Thursday against the Bulls, assuming his warmup goes as planned, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was added to the injury report as questionable, but this latest update indicates that he's on track to play Thursday evening. The Lakers should have official word on the star forward's availability closer to tipoff.
Jan 24, 2024
Deemed questionable against Chicago
James (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Bulls, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is in danger of missing his second straight contest Thursday due to a left ankle injury. If the superstar forward is ruled out, Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura will likely continue to receive increased playing time.
Jan 23, 2024
Considered day-to-day
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Tuesday that James (ankle) is deemed day-to-day moving forward, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has already been ruled out for Tuesday's contest with the Clippers due to a left ankle injury. However, it appears that the superstar forward isn't dealing with a long-term issue. James' next chance to suit up is Thursday's matchup with Chicago.
Jan 22, 2024
Out for Tuesday
James won't play Tuesday against the Clippers due to an ankle injury, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed on the team's injury report with an ankle injury for some time now, and he'll finally be forced to miss game action as a result of the issue. Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura will likely be asked to step up in James' absence.
Jan 22, 2024
Nears 30 points in victory
James finished with 28 points (8-16 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 9-10 FT), five rebounds and five assists across 31 minutes during Sunday's 134-110 win over the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James connected on a trio of threes to go along with a handful of rebounds and assists and ending two points short of the 30-point mark in a blowout victory. James has tallied at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in 19 games this season, including in four straight contests. He has buried at least three threes in two of his last three outings.
Jan 21, 2024
Cleared to play Sunday
James (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with a lingering ankle injury but has been cleared to suit up for a fourth consecutive matchup. Over his last three appearances, he's averaged 24.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 35.3 minutes per game.
Jan 20, 2024
Questionable for Sunday
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against Portland, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
Questionable tags are par for the course for James, so no surprises here. James has played in three straight games for the Lakers despite lingering ankle pain, posting averages of 24.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.0 three-pointers in that stretch.
Jan 19, 2024
Good to go
James (ankle) is good to go for Friday's game against the Nets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will play in his third straight contest since he missed a game on Jan. 13. He has looked sharp in his last two outings, shooting a combined 22-of-39 from the field.
Jan 18, 2024
Listed as questionable
James (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Nets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This questionable tag is par for the course as the Lakers continue to list James as day-to-day due to ongoing left ankle soreness. James looked sharp in Wednesday's win over Dallas with 25 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal and three triples across 33 minutes.
Jan 18, 2024
Posts well-rounded line in win
James recorded 25 points (10-19 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 33 minutes during Wednesday's 127-110 victory over the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
In a somewhat rare occurrence, James finished the game without leading the Lakers in any standard statistical category, but he nonetheless posted the type of strong all-around stat line that fantasy managers have grown accustomed to. The future Hall of Famer finished just two boards and two assists shy of a triple-double while drilling a trio of triples and recording an efficient 10-for-19 overall shooting line. James has scored at least 25 points in four of his past six contests and is averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 dimes, 6.3 boards, 1.8 three-pointers and 1.5 thefts over that span.
Jan 17, 2024
Good to go against Dallas
James (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Mavericks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up for the second straight game after being upgraded from questionable to available despite dealing with a left ankle injury. James is averaging 21.9 points, 8.3 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 35.1 minutes across his last 10 appearances.
Jan 16, 2024
Questionable for Wednesday
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Dallas, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James typically carries questionable tags for the Lakers, but he did have a strong performance Monday against the Thunder and seemed to be moving around well. In that game, James produced 25 points (12-20 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-1 FT), seven rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes.
Jan 16, 2024
Strong performance in return
James racked up 25 points (12-20 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-1 FT), seven rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes during Monday's 112-105 victory over the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James returned to action Monday after missing the previous game to due an ongoing ankle injury. He delivered the counting stats for managers, much like he has done all season. The fact the Lakers need him to log heavy minutes whenever he is playing is a worrying sign, something that could come back to bite them later in the season. As for now, managers simply have to hope he can navigate his injury concerns and remain relatively healthy moving forward.
Jan 15, 2024
Cleared to play
James (ankle) is starting Monday's game against the Thunder, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was added to the injury report with a questionable tag after missing Saturday's matchup against the Jazz with an ankle issue, but he's been given the green light to take part in Monday's matchup. He's off to a slow start in the new calendar year, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.6 steals over five appearances.
Jan 14, 2024
Probable for Monday
James (ankle) is probable for Monday's game against Oklahoma City, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed Saturday's game against the Jazz due to an ankle injury but will likely be able to return to action two days later. Across his last five appearances, he's averaged 20.2 points, 8.8 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 34.8 minutes per game.
Jan 13, 2024
Will not play Saturday
James (ankle) will not play in Saturday's game against the Jazz, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James was carrying a questionable tag prior to this update and he usually plays through those, but he'll sit out for the first time since Dec. 21. With James giving his lingering ankle issue some rest, Anthony Davis (ankle) could see a ton of usage Saturday with Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell (knee) getting more reps on the ball as well. James' next chance to play will be Monday versus the Thunder.
Jan 12, 2024
Iffy for Saturday
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game in Utah, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James lands on the injury report again following a 10-point, nine-assist showing in just 24 minutes during Thursday's blowout loss to Phoenix at home. The veteran superstar has appeared in 10 straight games, averaging 23.4 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 34.9 minutes, so his absence would be a significant blow to a reeling Lakers team.
Jan 12, 2024
Lighter workload in loss
James amassed 10 points (3-11 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-7 FT), five rebounds, nine assists and one steal across 24 minutes during Thursday's 127-109 loss to the Suns.
ANALYSIS
It's the first time since Dec. 28 that James has played fewer than 35 minutes, as the Lakers were down 27 points heading into the fourth quarter and used the opportunity to give the 39-year-old a breather. Over his last 10 games, James is averaging 23.4 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 boards, 1.9 threes and 1.3 steals as he continues to act as the primary distributor in the Lakers' offense -- he hasn't recorded fewer than six assists in a game since late November.
Jan 11, 2024
Starting against PHX
James (ankle) is available and will start against the Suns on Thursday, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
As has been the norm all season long, James will be available, start and handle his regular workload in this matchup against Kevin Durant and the Suns. James has been playing well despite the Lakers' recent struggles, averaging 22.8 points, 8.8 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game in four January contests.
Jan 10, 2024
Nabs another questionable tag
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game versus the Suns, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite continuing to receive questionable tags due to an ankle injury, James has suited up in each of the Lakers' last nine contests. Unless James suffers some kind of setback, fantasy managers should expect him to play against Phoenix.
Jan 10, 2024
Drops 12 dimes for double-double
James supplied 22 points (8-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), five rebounds, 12 assists, one block and one steal in 35 minutes during Tuesday's 132-131 win over the Raptors.
ANALYSIS
James had a customary solid line in the marrow win, using his superior skills as a ball distributor to get the ball inside to Anthony Davis frequently. The All-Star duo has needed more support from the bench, and they got a respectable 34 points from them Wednesday, which is a nice total considering the Lakers' nine-player rotation.
Jan 9, 2024
Good to go Tuesday
James (ankle) is available for Tuesday's game versus the Raptors, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up for his ninth straight contest despite dealing with an ankle injury. The superstar forward is displaying impressive efficiency this season, shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from on 5.6 three-point attempts per contest.
Jan 8, 2024
Questionable designation continues
James is questionable for Tuesday's game against Toronto due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Dealing with minor inflammation to the outside of his left ankle, James looked no worse for the wear when he yammed on Paul George Sunday night. He has suited up with immense workloads for eight consecutive contests, averaging 25.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists in 36.3 minutes per game, putting him on track to play Tuesday.
Jan 8, 2024
Stellar line in victory
James accumulated 25 points (11-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal over 38 minutes during Sunday's 106-103 victory over the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
Led by James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers played aggressively and pulled out a win that was more decisive than what was indicated with the final score. Janes seemed determined to reverse the team's losing trend and didn't let up, making key plays all over the court. James will get a day of rest at home and should have another solid outing against Toronto Tuesday night.
Jan 7, 2024
Will play Sunday
James (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was questionable for Sunday's matchup, but he'll be able to play through his ankle injury once again. Over his last seven appearances, he's averaged 25.3 points, 8.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 36.0 minutes per game.
Jan 6, 2024
Questionable to play Sunday
James is questionable to play Sunday against the Clippers due to a left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been playing through various injuries throughout the season, so at this point, seeing him with a questionable tag is almost natural. James has only sat a few games this year, and he's not expected to miss this big clash against the in-state rivals. The Lakers certainly need his elite production to get out of the bad run they're going through, as he's averaging 25.0 points, 9.0 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals over his last 13 appearances despite the fact the Lakers have gone 3-10 in that stretch.
Jan 6, 2024
Big night in frustrating loss
James recorded 32 points (11-24 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 6-10 FT), five rebounds, seven assists and five steals over 39 minutes during Friday's 127-113 loss to Memphis.
ANALYSIS
James was visibly frustrated in his post-game press conference, which is completely justified when you consider his elite contribution relative to the team's results. The Lakers have won 3 of 13 games since winning the In-Season Tournament, and although James has averaged 25.0 points, 9.0 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals over that span, the massive totals have failed to notch wins.
Jan 5, 2024
Will play versus Memphis
James (ankle) is good to go for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James was carrying yet another questionable tag prior to this update, this time due to a lingering left ankle issue. James is no longer dealing with an illness, and that's a relief for the Lakers as he clearly didn't seem like himself in Wednesday's loss to Miami.
Jan 4, 2024
Carrying another questionable tag
James is questionable for Friday's game versus Memphis due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was battling an ankle injury towards the end of December, so this isn't a new issue for the veteran. He played 38 minutes in Wednesday's loss to Miami, but he was slowed by an illness. He finished with just 12 points on 6-of-18 shooting. The good news for the Lakers is that it appears the illness is behind him.
Jan 4, 2024
Slowed down by illness in loss
James logged 12 points (6-18 FG, 0-6 3Pt), six rebounds and nine assists over 38 minutes during Wednesday's 110-96 loss to the Heat.
ANALYSIS
James appeared to lose a step in Wednesday's loss, obviously hampered by a non-COVID illness. Despite feeling under the weather, he decided to play and took a step back as a scorer in the loss. He logged nine assists and was effective distributing the ball to other playmakers, but his shooting stroke was off the mark throughout the game.. The team will remain in Los Angeles and face the Grizzlies at home on Friday, so James will have time to rest up and get past the illness.
Jan 3, 2024
Good to go against Miami
James (illness) is out and in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Heat, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available Wednesday despite dealing with a non-COVID illness. The superstar forward tallied 30 points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal in 37 minutes during the Lakers' last matchup with the Heat on Nov. 6.
Jan 3, 2024
Present at shootaround
James (illness), who's listed as questionable, is present at the Lakers' morning shootaround ahead of Wednesday's game against the Heat, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with an illness and lingering knee issues but has suited up for five straight games, averaging 26.6 points, 8.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks in 35.0 minutes per game. He's trending toward playing again Wednesday, but his official availability likely won't be known until closer to the 10 p.m. ET tipoff.
Jan 2, 2024
Iffy against Miami
James (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Heat, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a non-COVID illness but has suited up for the Lakers' last five contests. The superstar forward is averaging 26.6 points, 8.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 35.0 minutes across that span.
Jan 1, 2024
34-point effort not enough
James notched 34 points (12-24 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 7-8 FT), five rebounds, eight assists and one block in 37 minutes during Sunday's 129-109 loss to the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James had one of his best scoring performances of the season Sunday, but the rest of the team didn't perform at the same standard, and the Lakers suffered a 20-point loss. James' scoring figures have decreased a bit since his move to a point guard role, but his assists are on the rise. That said, a "decrease" in scoring for James shouldn't affect his fantasy output. After all, he's averaging 26.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game across his last 10 contests.
Dec 31, 2023
Will play Sunday
James (illness, knee) is good to go for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James is still under the weather while also dealing with a knee contusion, but he'll shed his questionable tag once again to suit up for the second leg of this back-to-back set. James may have some added fatigue Sunday, as he played 39 minutes in Saturday's loss to Minnesota.
Dec 31, 2023
Questionable for Sunday
James is questionable for Sunday's game against the Pelicans due to a right knee contusion and an illness, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James played Saturday, posting 26 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals in 39 minutes during a 108-106 loss to Minnesota. He may be held out of the second half of the Lakers' back-to-back set for maintenance reasons, but if he's available, James should be full go versus the Pelicans.
Dec 30, 2023
Will play Saturday
James (illness) will play Saturday against the Timberwolves, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with a non-COVID illness, but that won't stop him from featuring against one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Expect James to handle his regular workload in this one. James is averaging 25.6 points, 9.5 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game this month.
Dec 30, 2023
Battling non-COVID illness
James is dealing with a non-COVID illness and a knee injury and remains listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Minnesota, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially added to the injury report with a knee issue, but it's since been revealed that he's also fighting off an illness. His activity throughout the day should give the team a better idea of his availability for Saturday evening.
Dec 29, 2023
Questionable for Saturday
James (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
James has been a regular on the Lakers' injury report this season but has been available for the past three matchups. However, the Lakers have a back-to-back set this weekend with games Saturday against Minnesota and Sunday against the Pelicans, so the 38-year-old could sit in at least one of those contests. James has been held under 20 points in each of his last two appearances.
Dec 29, 2023
Double-double against Charlotte
James chipped in 17 points (7-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds and 11 assists in 25 minutes during Thursday's 133-112 win over the Hornets.
ANALYSIS
The 38-year-old has taken the reins of the Lakers' offense in December, dishing at least seven dimes in all 10 games he's played this month while averaging 25.6 points, 9.5 assists, 7.3 boards, 2.2 threes and 1.5 steals. James is already the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and at his current pace he should become the first player in history to cross the 40,000-point threshold some time in late February.
Dec 28, 2023
Available to face Charlotte
James (knee) will be available to face the Hornets on Thursday, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed on the injury report prior to almost every game, but as has also been the trend, he's available and should handle a full workload. James has averaged 25.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game over his last five outings.
Dec 27, 2023
Iffy against Charlotte
James is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Hornets due to a left knee contusion, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
While James has consistently been listed on the Lakers' injury report, the superstar forward's knee injury is new. With Cam Reddish (groin) also questionable, Jarred Vanderbilt (heel), Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura could be in store for extended minutes if James is ruled out.
Dec 26, 2023
Sniffs triple-double in loss
James amassed 16 points (5-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds and eight assists over 37 minutes during Monday's 126-115 loss to the Celtics.
ANALYSIS
James wasn't at his best from a shooting perspective in this loss. However, the lack of involvement seemed to be a designed plan, as Anthony Davis was the team's go-to player on offense while James opted to play with a more conservative approach in the scoring column, instead operating as the primary playmaker and facilitator. This 16-point output can be considered a subpar outing for the veteran, as he has scored at least 23 points in seven of his nine December appearances, a span in which he's averaging 26.6 points, 9.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Dec 25, 2023
Will play versus Boston
James (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Celtics, Lauren Jones of The Sporting Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
James drew a questionable tag after posting a season-high 40 points (13-20 FG) during Saturday's win over the Thunder. However, as has been the case often his season, he's been cleared ahead of tipoff and should be full go. Across eight December appearances, James has averaged 27.9 points, 9.5 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 35.9 minutes per game.
Dec 24, 2023
Questionable Monday
James is questionable for Monday's game against the Celtics due to a left ankle injury.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with left ankle peroneal tendinopathy throughout the last week, missing Thursday's game and gathering questionable tags ahead of games on Saturday and now Monday. He was able to play through the injury on Saturday and posted an impressive 40-7-7 stat line. If he is unable to play, Rui Hachimura (wrist, probable) and Christian Wood could see extended run.
Dec 24, 2023
Posts vintage performance in win
James closed Saturday's 129-120 victory over the Thunder with 40 points (13-20 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 9-9 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and two steals in 37 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers came into the contest on a four-game losing streak, prompting more urgency from the team than usual for a regular-season contest. James stepped up with one of his finest performances of the campaign, tallying a season-high 40 points on an efficient shooting line that included a 5-for-5 mark from deep and a 9-for-9 effort from the charity stripe. The ageless superstar was especially focused in the clutch, scoring the Lakers' final 11 points of the game after OKC whittled down what had been a big lead to just eight points halfway through the fourth quarter. Though this was James' first 40-point effort of the campaign, he's scored at least 30 in nine contests, including four times through eight games in December.
Dec 23, 2023
Good to go Saturday
James (ankle) will play in Saturday's game against the Thunder, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James will be returning from a one-game absence, as the Lakers gave his ankle some extra rest Thursday against Minnesota. James will likely run more of the offense going forward, as the Lakers are replacing D'Angelo Russell in the starting five with Jarred Vanderbilt.
Dec 22, 2023
Listed as questionable
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
After missing just one of the Lakers' first 24 contests, James has now sat out two of the last five, though both of those absences came during the second half of a back-to-back set. Given Saturday's contest isn't part of a back-to-back set, it would appear James has a good chance to clear his injury designation like he's done so many times this season, but fantasy managers will likely have to wait until closer to the 8 p.m. ET tipoff for confirmation.
Dec 21, 2023
Won't play Thursday
James has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a regular on the Lakers' injury report this season but has suited up in most matchups. However, he'll be unavailable for the second half of a back-to-back set Thursday while dealing with an ankle injury. Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood are candidates to see increased run against Minnesota, while James' next chance to return will be Saturday against Oklahoma City.
Dec 21, 2023
Nears triple-double in loss
James logged 25 points (10-18 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and one steal in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 124-108 loss to the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
James appeared in a third consecutive matchup Wednesday following a one-game absence last week, and he hasn't missed a beat since returning to the court. He's posted double-doubles in each of his last three appearances, and he came within one assist of posting a second consecutive triple-double Wednesday. While James is regularly listed on the Lakers' injury report, he's missed minimal time early in the season and has averaged 26.1 points, 9.9 assists, 7.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 35.7 minutes per game over seven appearances since the start of December.
Dec 20, 2023
Suiting up against Chicago
James (calf) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Bulls, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Outside of Jalen Hood-Schifino (back), the Lakers will be at full strength for Wednesday's matchup with Chicago. With James set to play the first leg of Los Angeles' back-to-back, there is no indication that the superstar forward will be on a minutes restriction.
Dec 19, 2023
Nabs questionable tag Wednesday
James (calf) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Bulls, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has consistently received questionable tags due to a left calf contusion but has only missed two games so far this season. However, with Wednesday's contest being the first of the Lakers' back-to-back, it's worth monitoring the superstar forward's status.
Dec 19, 2023
Logs 109th triple-double
James compiled 25 points (10-23 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal across 39 minutes in Monday's 114-109 loss to the Knicks.
ANALYSIS
James showed no ill effects from his lingering calf injury as he added another triple-double to his career totals. Monday marked his second triple-double of the season while spurring a late rally that ultimately fell short. James and Anthony Davis didn't receive much support from their teammates in the loss, as the rest of the team shot only 33 percent from the floor.
Dec 18, 2023
Active Monday
James (calf) will play Monday against New York, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James carrying a questionable designation pregame has been standard protocol for the 38-year-old this season, but coach Darvin Ham designated him as a game-time decision Monday evening, which put his status in true doubt. Nonetheless, he will suit up alongside Anthony Davis (hip), D'Angelo Russell (illness) and Jarred Vanderbilt (back) in a mostly healthy Lakers' lineup.
Dec 17, 2023
Questionable for Monday
James (calf) is questionable for Monday's game against the Knicks, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James returned to action for Friday's game against the Spurs and tallied 23 points, 14 assists, seven rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes. However, he continues to deal with his calf injury and will be questionable once again Monday.
Dec 16, 2023
Double-double in Friday's loss
James registered 23 points (7-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 7-10 FT), seven rebounds, 14 assists and two steals across 36 minutes during Friday's 129-115 loss to the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
After sitting out Wednesday's game due to calf soreness, James returned with a strong performance that included a season high in assists, but he didn't get enough help from a Lakers' lineup that was missing three starters including Anthony Davis (hip/groin). LeBron has scored more than 20 points in six of his last seven games, averaging 25.6 points, 8.3 assists, 7.4 boards, 2.4 threes and 1.7 steals over that stretch.
Dec 15, 2023
Will play Friday
James (calf) is available for Friday's game against the Spurs, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James took the second half of a back-to-back set off Wednesday, marking his second absence of the season. However, he will return to action Friday, despite initially being listed as questionable, and may have to shoulder the majority of the offensive workload, as D'Angelo Russell (migraine) and Anthony Davis (hip/groin) have both been ruled out. Over his last five appearances, James has averaged 26.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 33.7 minutes per game.
Dec 14, 2023
Questionable to play Friday
James (calf) is questionable to play Friday against the Spurs, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers rested James in the second half of a back-to-back since he's been dealing with his calf injury all season, but it seems he might return to the hardwood Friday. James has been delivering elite value in his 21st season in the league and is showing no signs of slowing down despite the fact he's close to turning 39 years old. He's averaging 23.9 points, 7.1 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game across his last 10 outings.
Dec 13, 2023
Won't play Wednesday
James (calf) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss his second game of the 2023-24 season with a left calf injury -- an issue that's kept him on the injury report for most of the season. Considering he's frequently played through the injury, fantasy managers shouldn't expect a lengthy absence. While James is out, Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt could each see more action. His next chance to play will come Friday in a rematch with San Antonio.
Dec 13, 2023
Questionable for Wednesday
James is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Spurs with a left calf contusion, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
Wednesday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, and while James usually plays through these questionable tags, it's certainly possible that the Lakers could get him some rest. James played a whopping 40 minutes versus Dallas on Tuesday, scoring 33 points with nine assists and eight rebounds.
Dec 13, 2023
Flirts with triple-double in loss
James ended with 33 points (14-27 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, nine assists, one block and three steals across 40 minutes during Tuesday's 127-125 loss to Dallas.
ANALYSIS
James handed out a team-high assist total along with a team-best steals mark while finishing second on the team in scoring and rebounds in a near triple-double outing. James has tallied 30 or more points in eight games this season, including in three of his last four contests. He has posted at least 30 points, nine assists and eight rebounds on two occasions, both of which have occurred over his last four games.
Dec 12, 2023
Good to go Tuesday
James (calf) is cleared to play Tuesday against Dallas, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James, Anthony Davis (hip) and Luka Doncic (back) are all active in advance of a big Western Confererence duel. Kyrie Irving (foot), Jarred Vanderbilt (back) and Josh Green (wrist) are notable inactives.
Dec 11, 2023
Game-time call for Tuesday
James (calf) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed as probable before LA's last matchup Saturday against the Pacers, so his questionable tag will be worth keeping an eye on leading up to Tuesday's tipoff. This is the same injury that James has been nursing for weeks, however, and he hasn't missed a game since Nov. 12 against Portland.
Dec 10, 2023
Posts double-double in win
James had 24 points (10-21 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 35 minutes during Saturday's 123-109 victory over Indiana.
ANALYSIS
James didn't take over the game as he did against the Pelicans during the semifinals of the In-Season Tournament, but he still made his presence felt with a double-double. James also reached the 20-point mark for the fifth time in his last six games, and he continues to defy the odds -- he remains exceptionally productive while delivering initial-round value despite being the oldest player in the league. James is averaging 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game across his last 10 outings.
Dec 9, 2023
Available to play
James (calf) has been upgraded to available to face the Pacers on Saturday, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James usually carries questionable tags into games, but the Lakers threw a probable tag on him prior to this update. As has been the case for weeks, James will not have any restrictions for the In-Season Tournament Finale.
Dec 8, 2023
Listed as probable
James is probable for Saturday's In-Season Tournament finale versus Indiana due to a left calf contusion.
ANALYSIS
James has been a regular on the Lakers' injury report due to the calf injury, but it'd likely take a serious setback for him not to play Saturday. The 38-year-old MVP candidate looked fresh and agile during the team's blowout win over the Pelicans in the semifinals, so the lingering issue shouldn't impact his productivity.
Dec 8, 2023
Shines in blowout win Thursday
James recorded 30 points (9-12 FG, 4-4 3Pt, 8-8 FT), five rebounds and eight assists in 23 minutes during Thursday's 133-89 win over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James was a man on a mission Thursday, and it showed, as he barely missed a shot from the field and carried the team on his back at all times, making clutch buckets whenever the Pelicans tried to get close in the first half and pulling the game away in the second half when needed before the blowout. James will try to keep the momentum going when the Lakers take on the Pacers in the In-Season Tournament final on Saturday.
Dec 7, 2023
Available to play
James (calf) has been upgraded to available to face the Pelicans on Thursday, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been added to the Lakers' injury report in nearly every game, but that doesn't matter much, as he's missed just one game all season. Given what's at stake in this matchup against New Orleans, it's unsurprising to see James being listed available and ready to go, as he shouldn't have any limitations. He's averaging 22.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game over his last five outings.
Dec 6, 2023
Officially listed questionable
James (calf) is questionable for Thursday's In-Season Tournament Semi-Final game against the Pelicans, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
At this point, it seems that James' inclusion on the injury report is simply a formality. The superstar forward has been played in each of the Lakers' last 12 contests despite being listed as questionable with a left calf contusion for all of them. James has also not been on a minutes restriction, as he logged 40 minutes against Phoenix on Tuesday.
Dec 6, 2023
Near triple-double in balanced game
James had 31 points (12-25 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds, 11 assists and five steals in 40 minutes during Tuesday's 106-103 win over the Suns.
ANALYSIS
James impacted the game in every way for Los Angeles, leading the team in scoring, assists and steals while finishing two rebounds short of a triple-double in a winning effort. James recorded a season-high in steals and has posted a double-double in six games this year. James has now handed out 10 or more assists in two contests this season.
Dec 5, 2023
Good to go against Phoenix
James (calf) is available for Tuesday's In-Season Tournament Quarterfinal game against the Suns, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available for the 11th straight game Tuesday despite dealing with a lingering calf issue. The superstar forward has played at least 30 minutes in eight of his last 10 appearances.
Dec 4, 2023
Game-time call vs. Phoenix
James is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Suns due to a left calf contusion, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to find his name on the injury report with a calf issue, but it hasn't forced him to miss any time. Expect confirmation on his availability for Tuesday to arrive closer to tipoff.
Dec 3, 2023
Stops game with 360-degree layup
James amassed 16 points (7-17 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 2-5 FT), four rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal over 35 minutes during Saturday's 107-97 victory over Houston.
ANALYSIS
James' acrobatic 360-degree reverse layup worked Crypto.com Arena into a frenzy at the end of the second quarter, adding yet another brilliant highlight to his massive collection of eye-opening shots throughout his career. James and Anthony Davis are performing at an extremely high level, making the Lakers a force to be reckoned with in the In-Season Tournament.
Dec 2, 2023
Upgraded to available
James (calf) has been upgraded to available for Saturday's game against the Rockets, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
There are no surprises here, as James has often been included in the injury report only to be upgraded to available shortly before tip-off. James has been excellent of late and is averaging 22.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game over his last five appearances.
Dec 1, 2023
Gets another questionable tag
James is questionable for Saturday's game against the Rockets with a left calf contusion, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been carrying questionable tags for weeks due to his left calf, but he continues to push through it. He certainly seemed fine Thursday against the Thunder, as he scored 21 points with 12 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal in 35 minutes.
Dec 1, 2023
Records double-double in loss
James provided 21 points (7-12 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal in 35 minutes during Thursday's 133-110 loss to the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James made his presence felt on both ends of the court, but as has been the case in recent years, he can't carry the team on his own to win games as he did in his prime, especially against teams that push up the pace like Oklahoma City. That being said, James remains a valuable contributor in fantasy and continues to deliver above-average value even if his best years are slightly behind him.
Nov 30, 2023
Cleared to play
James (calf) is available for Thursday's game against the Thunder, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been no stranger to questionable tags in recent weeks, but he continues to push through the calf injury. He looked sharp in Wednesday's game against the Pistons, scoring 25 points with eight rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes.
Nov 30, 2023
Listed as game-time call Thursday
James (calf) has been tabbed a game-time call for Thursday's game against the Thunder, head coach Darvin Ham told Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
ANALYSIS
James was listed as questionable earlier Thursday, and Ham suggested he'll wait until closer to tip-off to determine his status. James has been playing regularly despite dealing with an injury, and unless he suffers a setback, he should be able to suit up. James is averaging 21.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game over his last five appearances.
Nov 30, 2023
Listed questionable once again
James (calf) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game versus the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a nagging foot calf injury but has missed just one game so far this season. The superstar forward in both legs of the Lakers' previous three back-to-backs this season.
Nov 30, 2023
Pops for 25 in win
James logged 25 points (9-19 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes during Wednesday's 133-107 victory over the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
Despite a minor calf injury he continues to play through, James scored more than 20 points for the third time in the last four games and the 13th time in 18 games on the season. The Lakers continue to look for opportunities to reduce LeBron's minutes, but it hasn't had a big impact on his production -- in nine games since the calf issue forced him to sit out a contest, the 38-year-old is averaging 24.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.7 boards, 2.7 threes and 1.4 steals in 32.0 minutes a night while shooting 54.7 percent from the floor, 42.1 percent from beyond the arc and 75.0 percent from the charity stripe.
Nov 29, 2023
Good to go
James (calf) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Pistons, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available Wednesday despite dealing with a nagging calf injury. The superstar has played at least 30 minutes in each of his last three appearances.
Nov 28, 2023
Iffy for Wednesday
James (calf) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
James has consistently been listed as questionable due to a left calf contusion, despite only missing one game so far this season. If the superstar forward is ruled out, Cam Reddish (groin), Austin Reaves and Taurean Prince are candidates to receive increased roles.
Nov 28, 2023
Efficient despite blowout loss
James closed Monday's 138-94 loss to the 76ers with 18 points (8-12 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five assists, one block and one steal across 30 minutes.
ANALYSIS
On a night where James became the all-time leader in minutes played, and in his first outing without a rebound since Nov. 2, 2010, James was efficient with his shot, but that was not enough to lift the Lakers to victory in a game where they looked overmatched against one of the best teams in the league. James has failed to reach the 20-point mark in three of his last eight outings, but even when his shot isn't falling, he is productive enough in other areas to make up for it. James might not be the best player in the league anymore, but there's no doubt he remains a top asset both in fantasy and in real life.
Nov 27, 2023
Suiting up Monday
James (calf) is active for Monday's game against Philadelphia, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was dealing with a left calf contusion, but it will not keep him out of the lineup Monday. James is averaging 25.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists and 34.0 minutes across his last four games.
Nov 26, 2023
Listed as questionable
James is questionable for Monday's game against the 76ers due to a left calf contusion, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed only one game this season, a Nov. 12 win over Portland, but he's been a regular on the injury report with a calf issue. Over his last six games, James has averaged 27.5 points, 8.5 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 34.3 minutes per game.
Nov 26, 2023
Scores 22 but struggles from deep
James produced 22 points (8-23 FG, 1-9 3Pt, 5-7 FT), six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals over 36 minutes during Saturday's 121-115 victory over the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
James has been better than ever from three-point range this season -- he entered Saturday posting a career-best 41.4 percent mark from beyond the arc. However, he struggled from that distance in a homecoming game against Cleveland, though the Lakers were still able to pull of a the win. James did manage to exceed 20 points for the fifth time in his past six contests, and he's now posted double-digit points in an NBA record 1,167 straight games.
Nov 25, 2023
Available to play
James (calf) is available for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNetreports.
ANALYSIS
For the seventh straight game, James will play through another questionable tag. Despite being less than 100 percent, James' production has been terrific in recent games.
Nov 24, 2023
Listed questionable for Saturday
James (calf) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been marked as questionable for the last six games, but he ended up playing in each of them. He most recently played 36 minutes against the Mavericks on Wednesday, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four three-pointers.
Nov 23, 2023
Posts another big stat line in loss
James provided 26 points (9-19 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 4-7 FT), nine rebounds and seven assists over 36 minutes during Wednesday's 104-101 loss to Dallas.
ANALYSIS
James led Los Angeles in both points and assists in the contest, though a turnover and a missed three-pointer in the final 3.1 seconds of the close contest marred his performance to an extent. James also came up gingerly after being fouled late in the fourth period, appearing to hurt his foot or lower leg, but he was able to stay in the game the rest of the way. The future Hall of Famer has been nursing a calf issue of late and dealt with a foot injury last season, so the Lakers will certainly want to ensure that he didn't aggravate either issue before clearing him for Saturday's contest in Cleveland. Though he's perhaps not as durable as he was in his prime, James hasn't let Father Time slow down his impact on the court, and he's doing some things better than ever before. For instance, James is shooting 41.4 percent from three-point range and 57.8 percent from the field overall this season, both of which are on pace for career-best marks.
Nov 22, 2023
Suiting up Wednesday
James (calf) will play in Wednesday's matchup against the Mavericks, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially tabbed as questionable due to a lingering left calf contusion, but he'll give it a go against Dallas. Over his last four outings, James is averaging 29.3 points, 9.5 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals across 33.4 minutes.
Nov 22, 2023
Iffy against Dallas
James is questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Mavericks due to a left calf contusion.
ANALYSIS
Despite dealing with a left calf contusion, James has missed only one game so far this season. The superstar forward has been able to suit up for both legs of the Lakers' previous two back-to-backs this year and was able to play to limit his playing time to just 17 minutes in Tuesday's blowout victory.
Nov 22, 2023
Efficient in victory
James closed Tuesday's 131-99 win over the Jazz with 17 points (6-10 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds and nine assists over 24 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James only had to play 24 minutes Tuesday due to the Lakers' blowout victory. The superstar forward was effective in his limited playing time, leading the team in assists. James will have an opportunity to suit up for both legs of his third straight back-to-back to start the season against Dallas on Wednesday.
Nov 21, 2023
Good to go against Utah
James (calf) is available for Tuesday's game versus the Jazz, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available Tuesday despite dealing with a left calf contusion. There is no indication that the superstar forward will be on a minutes restriction. James is averaging 27.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.9 steals in 34.3 minutes across his last 10 appearances.
Nov 20, 2023
Questionable for Tuesday
James (calf) is questionable to play Tuesday against Utah.
ANALYSIS
James is dealing with a left calf contusion. James logged a full workload in Sunday's victory over Houston, supplying 37 points in 40 minutes, so his presence on Monday's injury report could be mostly precautionary.
Nov 20, 2023
Erupts for 37 points Sunday
James ended Sunday's 105-104 win over the Rockets with 37 points (14-19 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 7-9 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and three steals across 40 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James posted his best scoring performance of the campaign and reached the 30-point mark for the fifth time this season, an impressive feat considering he's the oldest player in the league. The star forward continues to defy Father Time every time he steps on the court, and his numbers this season are even better than many expected. Over his nine appearances in November, James is averaging 28.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game, showing he remains an elite player in both fantasy and real life.
Nov 19, 2023
Available Sunday
James (calf) is available for Sunday's game against the Rockets, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James was questionable for Sunday's matchup due to a left calf contusion, but he'll be able to suit up once again. Over his last three appearances, he's averaged 26.3 points, 9.0 assists and 8.0 rebounds in 31.0 minutes per game.
Nov 18, 2023
Questionable to play Sunday
James (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rockets, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James is dealing with a left calf contusion, but the issue seems not severe. Barring anything odd, James should be able to handle his regular workload against Houston. James is coming off a 35-point, nine-assist, five-rebound performance against the Trail Blazers on Friday.
Nov 18, 2023
Ties season high with 35 points
James posted 35 points (13-22 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 4-6 FT), five rebounds, nine assists and two steals across 35 minutes during Friday's 107-95 win over the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James helped the Lakers improve their In-Season Tournament record to 3-0 with an efficient shooting performance that included five triples on nine attempts. The future Hall of Famer has been nursing a calf injury, but that didn't seem to slow him down Friday, as he logged 35 minutes and tied his season-high mark with 35 points while leading the team with nine dimes. James continues to set a standard for long-term excellence perhaps never before seen in the league -- in his 21st NBA season, he's averaging 25.5 points, 8.3 boards, 6.3 assists, 2.3 three-pointers and 1.6 steals while shooting an outstanding 57.2 percent from the field, including 39.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Nov 17, 2023
Good to go
James (calf) is good to go for Friday's game against Portland, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
This will be the third questionable tag in a row that James has played through. James is coming off a triple-double against the Kings on Wednesday and there's no word of any restrictions for Friday's game.
Nov 16, 2023
Questionable Friday
James (calf) is questionable for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a calf injury, but he's been able to suit up in the last two matchups. He posted a triple-double Wednesday against Sacramento, and it seems unlikely that he'd face limitations if he's available Friday.
Nov 16, 2023
Logs first triple-double of season
James closed with 28 points (9-15 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 10 rebounds, 11 assists, one block and four steals across 35 minutes during Wednesday's 125-110 loss to the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James logged his 108th career triple-double, bringing him into a tie for fifth-most in NBA history with Jason Kidd. James was also instrumental in mounting a rally to decrease the massive 26-point deficit they were facing, but it ultimately proved to be too steep of a hill to climb. The loss ended a three-game winning streak where the Lakers were finally gaining their sea legs, but they are still having issues in the rotation. It's difficult to provide support for James and Anthony Davis when your bench is only contributing 22 points, and it would probably be in Darvin Ham's best interest to give Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood more time so they can keep their All-Stars fresh for the fourth quarter.
Nov 15, 2023
Will play Wednesday
James (calf) will play in Wednesday's game against the Kings, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
Wednesday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, but James will continue to push through the discomfort. James played only 23 minutes Tuesday, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists and one steal.
Nov 15, 2023
Iffy against Sacramento
James is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Kings due to a left calf contusion, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a nagging calf injury but has missed only one game so far this season. If the superstar forward isn't able to suit up Wednesday, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince would be candidates for extended minutes.
Nov 15, 2023
Produces despite minor injury
James racked up 16 points (6-11 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and one steal over 23 minutes during Tuesday's 134-107 victory over the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James is dealing with a left calf injury, the same one that forced him to miss a game last week, so he definitively welcomed the fact that he only logged 23 minutes in this blowout win. The Lakers need James to be successful this season, and the veteran forward will try to deliver another solid outing when facing the Kings on Wednesday.
Nov 14, 2023
Set to play Tuesday
James (calf) is available for Tuesday's game versus the Grizzlies, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available Tuesday after missing the Lakers' previous game with a bruised left calf. The superstar forward will likely reclaim his starting spot from Rui Hachimura against Memphis.
Nov 14, 2023
Present at shootaround
James (calf) was present during the Lakers' morning shootaround ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Grizzlies, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed his first game of the season Sunday due to a bruised left calf and is listed as questionable for Tuesday's contest. However, his presence and participation at shootaround, where he was spotted on the court doing his usual free-throw routine, suggests he's trending in the right direction.
Nov 13, 2023
Game-time call Tuesday
James (calf) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed Sunday's matchup due to a bruised left calf, and he's in danger of missing additional time after ending up on Monday's injury report. The team should have a better idea of his availability closer to Tuesday's tipoff.
Nov 12, 2023
Inactive Sunday
James (calf) will not play Sunday against Portland, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss his first game of the season, with his next opportunity to take the court being Tuesday against Memphis. Rui Hachimura could see a sizable workload as the Lakers look for creators on offense.
Nov 11, 2023
Game-time call Sunday
James is questionable for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers due to a left calf contusion, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James' status is in question for Sunday's matchup after being added to the injury report, though it's unclear when he picked up his latest injury. The Lakers should have a better idea of his availability following morning shootaround and pregame warmups.
Nov 9, 2023
Quiet effort in blowout loss
James closed with 18 points (7-13 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes during Wednesday's 128-94 loss to Houston.
ANALYSIS
James' final line wasn't ugly, but his numbers were well below his campaign norms. Part of the reason for that was that he played a season-low 27 minutes -- none in the fourth quarter -- with the Rockets building an insurmountable lead. On a positive note, James had a chance to rest a bit after playing over 35 minutes in each of his previous three games. He may have to carry the load even more than usual in the short term of Anthony Davis (groin) remains out for additional games.
Nov 7, 2023
Shines in loss to Heat
James finished Monday's 108-107 loss to Miami with 30 points (13-23 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal over 37 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James had to carry the Lakers down the stretch alongside Austin Reeves following Anthony Davis' groin injury, and while Los Angeles could not secure the victory, James still delivered a strong fantasy performance. The 38-year-old veteran is not showing signs of slowing down and has enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, racking up at least 20 points in all but one game and putting up 30 or more in two of the last three without compromising his contributions in other categories. Through seven games, James is averaging 25.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks across 35.7 minutes per game.
Nov 5, 2023
Leads three-man army
James posted 24 points (8-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), nine rebounds, five assists and three steals in 35 minutes during Saturday's 120-101 loss to the Magic.
ANALYSIS
James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves combined for 72 points on night where the Lakers only mustered 101. Los Angeles currently ranks 19th league-wide with 109.9 points per 100 possessions. Early season rumblings of a minutes restriction for James are fading fast. He's essential in keeping the Lakers afloat, even with his 39th birthday coming next month.
Nov 2, 2023
Masterful performance in OT victory
James finished Wednesday's 130-125 overtime win over the Clippers with 35 points (13-19 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 5-10 FT), 12 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and one steal across 42 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James went just 7-for-17 in his previous game Monday versus Orlando, but he bounced back with his most efficient performance of the young season against the cross-town rival Clippers. The ageless veteran finished with a season-high point total on the strength of a campaign-best four triples, and he was plenty productive as rebounder, distributor and defender as well. James shot poorly from the charity stripe, but that was about the only weak point in a magnificent effort. Despite reports early in the campaign that the Lakers would be looking to limit James' minutes this season, the future Hall of Famer logged a campaign-high 42 minutes Wednesday and has logged at least 33 minutes in four straight contests.
Oct 31, 2023
Sees 33 minutes
James accumulated 19 points (7-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, four assists, one block and three steals in 33 minutes during Monday's 106-103 victory over the Magic.
ANALYSIS
James was dealing with an ankle injury Monday night, but the fact that he was able to play 33 minutes is a great sign. James has averaged 35.6 minutes in his last three games since the Lakers announced he would be held to around 29 minutes most nights.
Oct 30, 2023
Will play vs. Magic
James (ankle) has been cleared to play Monday night against Orlando, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed on the injury report as probable after logging 39 minutes a night ago, but head coach Darvin Ham stated in his pregame press conference that the coaching staff would see how the star forward felt in warmups before determining if he'd play. James evidently convinced the training staff that he's good to go, as he'll take the court for the second half of LA's back-to-back. James is averaging 23.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 34.3 minutes so far this year (three games).
Oct 30, 2023
True game-time call
The Lakers will make a decision on James' (ankle) status for Monday's game against the Magic after he goes through pregame warmups, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Buha reported earlier in the day that James was expected to play, but head coach Darvin Ham's pregame comments made it clear that James' status is still up in the air. Ham goes on to note that the coaching staff is still determining whether the star forward will go in the second half of a back-to-back after logging 39 minutes Sunday in Sacramento, per Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet.
Oct 30, 2023
Expected to play Monday
James (ankle) is probable for Monday's game against Orlando, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
After being a mainstay on the injury report last year, James was omitted from the list for each of the Lakers' first three regular-season games. Given Monday's outing is the second night of a back-to-back, it's not surprising to see the oldest player in the league with an injury designation. However, it is surprising that James is only listed as probable after playing 39 minutes during an overtime loss to Sacramento on Sunday night. All signs point toward James suiting up versus the Magic, but it's unclear if he'll play both halves of back-to-back sets all season long.
Oct 30, 2023
Sniffs triple-double in loss
James logged 27 points (11-19 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-6 FT), 15 rebounds and eight assists in 39 minutes during Sunday's 132-127 overtime loss to the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James was just two assists shy of a triple-double during Sunday's loss. The Lakers' 1-2 start is a bit confounding, considering the health of James and Anthony Davis. The team barely snuck by Phoenix in their only win, which indicates that they need a little more help from their supporting cast. Austin Reaves has underperformed so far, and with Jarred Vanderbilt (heel) still out, they've yet to find a dependable complement to Davis in the frontcourt.
Oct 27, 2023
Spurs late rally for win
James had 21 points (7-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 6-8 FT), eight rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and two steals across 35 minutes during Thursday's 100-95 win over the Suns.
ANALYSIS
Seeing James and Kevin Durant face other for the first time since 2018 was certainly worth the price of admission, as both stars battled to the finish. Durant found little assistance from his supporting cast, but the Lakers outscored the Suns 28-11 in the fourth quarter due in large part to a masterful rally from James. Time management will become an issue for James as the season progresses, but tonight showed he still has the ability to take control and will his team to victory.
Oct 24, 2023
Solid output in loss Tuesday
James closed with 21 points (10-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 0-1 FT), eight rebounds, five assists and one steal over 29 minutes during Tuesday's 119-107 loss to Denver.
ANALYSIS
James delivered a solid output in the season opener, and no one would think he's the oldest player in the league, especially given the way he keeps driving to the rim with top-notch athleticism. He was efficient from the field and stuffed the stat sheet admirably in this one, something he should often do as long as he remains healthy, but unfortunately, the Nuggets were too much for the Lakers, so James had to settle with the loss.
Oct 20, 2023
Productive in preseason finale
James recorded 19 points (6-12 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes during Thursday's preseason game against the Suns.
ANALYSIS
James led the Lakers in scoring during Thursday's defeat. Despite suffering a blowout loss, James posted a plus-2 point differential. While the 38-year-old forward is officially the oldest player in the NBA, he is showing no signs of slowing down in 2023-24.
Oct 19, 2023
Back in the lineup
James is starting Thursday's preseason game against the Suns, according to Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell.
ANALYSIS
James is officially back for the preseason finale after getting a game off Sunday against the Bucks. There's no word on how much run the starters will get Thursday evening.
Oct 15, 2023
Resting Sunday
James will rest during Sunday's preseason contest against Milwaukee, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James and Austin Reaves will get routine rest Sunday. Both are expected to suit up in Los Angeles' preseason finale against Phoenix on Thursday.
Oct 13, 2023
Will play in exhibition
James (rest) is slated to play in Friday's preseason matchup with the Warriors, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James had the night off Wednesday in the Lakers' previous exhibition contest. His participation Friday will mark his second preseason game of the season. The 38-year-old will continue to ramp things up as he prepares himself for his 21st NBA regular-season.
Oct 10, 2023
Won't play Wednesday
James won't play in Wednesday's preseason game versus the Kings, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed Saturday's preseason opener against the Warriors for rest purposes but returned to action Monday versus the Nets. The 38-year-old posted 10 points, five assists and three rebounds in 17 minutes versus Brooklyn, and it appears his expected absence Wednesday is simply procedural, as he plans to appear in about half of the Lakers' preseason contests this year.
Oct 9, 2023
Back in action
James (rest) will start Monday's preseason game versus the Nets, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James is set to embark on his 21st NBA season. The 38-year-old rested for Sunday's preseason opener against the Warriors, but he will make his 2023-24 debut Monday.
Oct 5, 2023
Out for preseason opener
James said Thursday that he won't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Warriors and plans on playing in about half of the Lakers' preseason contests, Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James does not appear to have suffered any injury, as he has reportedly fully recovered from the foot injury that plagued him throughout the end of last season. However, the superstar forward will likely sit out a good chunk of the preseason, including Saturday's contest, as he is heading into his 21st NBA season. James' next chance to suit up will be Monday's preseason matchup with Brooklyn.
Oct 3, 2023
Smooth offseason
James had no lingering foot troubles throughout his offseason workouts, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James dealt with a right foot tendon injury from February onward, but he returned at the end of March and ultimately assumed a normal workload throughout the Lakers' playoff run. James is a candidate to sit in the preseason, but his health is seemingly in a great place.
Jul 12, 2023
Coming back for 2023-24
James announced he will be playing in 2023-24 during the ESPYS on Wednesday,
ANALYSIS
Following the Lakers sweep loss to the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, James hinted at retirement, saying "I'm simply not sure if I'll be back in the fall when the season begins." However, James made it clear he'd be back for a 20th season Wednesday, saying, "The day I can't give the game everything on the floor is the day I'll be done... that day is not today." James finished the 2022-23 campaign with 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists over 35.5 minutes per game but a multitude of injuries limited him to just 55 regular season games. Though James has only played more than 56 games once in the last five years, he's still a top fantasy option considering his per-game production. With James under contract for at least one more season (2024-25 player option), the Lakers appear primed for another deep playoff run after adding Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Jaxon Hayes, Taurean Prince and No. 17 pick Jalen Hood-Schifino this offseason.
May 23, 2023
Hints at retirement
James is unsure if he'll be with the Lakers when the 2023-24 season starts and is considering retirement, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
James submitted his best game of the postseason Monday, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Nuggets from sweeping the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. "I'm simply not sure if I'll be back in the fall when the season begins," James said following the Game 4 loss. "I have a lot to think about." This is far from a definitive statement, and his comments should be taken with a grain of salt considering all of the emotions that surface after a demanding seasons comes to a close. James battled through a foot injury and appeared in 25 straight games to end the campaign, posting 25.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 36.8 minutes during that stretch. He's under contract for at least one more season with a $50.65 million player option for the 2024-25 campaign.
May 23, 2023
Near triple-double in 40-point game
James ended with 40 points (15-25 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals across 48 minutes during Monday's 113-111 loss to Denver in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
ANALYSIS
James led the Lakers in scoring and assists while finishing with a double-double and coming up one assist short of a triple-double. James posted a playoff-high scoring total this postseason, recording at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in 11 of 16 playoff appearances.
May 22, 2023
Good to go for Game 4
James (foot) is available for Monday's Game 4 against Denver, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will continue to play through his nagging foot injury Monday. The superstar forward is averaging 23.7 points, 10.3 assists, 9.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 41.0 minutes across the first three games of the series.
May 21, 2023
Likely to play Monday
James (foot) is probable for Monday's Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against Denver.
ANALYSIS
Despite tweaking his left ankle again in Game 3, James is still listed as probable due to lingering right foot soreness that has bothered him throughout the playoffs. James will be needed in a big way if the Lakers want any chance at making a historic comeback in this series, so expect him to play without limitation barring any setbacks.
May 20, 2023
Starting in Game 3
James (foot) is in the starting lineup for Game 3 against the Nuggets on Saturday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
No surprises here, as James is in the starting lineup despite twisting his left ankle in Game 2. James tallied 22 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks in 40 minutes in the Game 2 loss and should be a focal point on offense for the Lakers once again.
May 19, 2023
Likely to play in Game 3
James (foot) is probable for Saturday's Game 3 against Denver, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite twisting his left ankle in Game 2, James is still being listed as probable with right foot soreness that has bothered him all playoffs. However, the superstar forward is expected to play in Game 3. James tallied 22 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks in 40 minutes Thursday.
May 19, 2023
Will be ready for Game 3
James twisted his left ankle in Game 2 against Denver on Thursday, but according to Chris Haynes of Turner Sports, he said he'll be ready for Game 3 on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
James stepped on the foot of Aaron Gordon and was evaluated after the game. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter, so it was not the reason why he settled for a lot of three-pointers. With the Lakers trailing 2-0, it's clear that James will be ready to give it his all on Sunday even if he's not 100 percent.
May 18, 2023
Good to go Thursday
James (foot) is good to go for Game 2 versus the Nuggets on Thursday according toRyan Ward of LakersNation.com.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers have listed James as probable for the entire postseason so far, but he will continue to play through the minor ailment. James nearly triple-doubled in their Game 1 loss on Tuesday, scoring 26 points with 12 rebounds and nine assists.
May 17, 2023
Continues to receive probable tag
James (foot) is probable for Thursday's Game 2 versus the Nuggets, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with a nagging foot injury all postseason but has yet to miss a game because of it. The superstar forward tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and one block in 40 minutes in Game 1, so he should be able to play without any limitations in Game 2.
May 16, 2023
Good to go for Game 1
James (foot) is available for Tuesday's Game 1 versus the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available Tuesday as his nagging foot injury has yet to cause him to miss a game these playoffs. The superstar forward averaged 28.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals in 35.5 minutes across his previous two matchups with Denver this season.
May 15, 2023
Nabs probable tag for Game 1
James is considered probable for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Nuggets on Tuesday with a right foot soreness label, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Considering James hasn't missed a game this postseason despite the numerous probable designations, it's fairly safe to assume he will play his usual starting role in Tuesday's clash. He's coming off a near triple-double in the Game 6 win to clinch the series versus the Warriors, tallying 30 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, and he'll aim to keep that momentum going in pursuit of his second NBA Finals appearance in a Lakers uniform.
May 13, 2023
Nears triple-double in Game 6 win
James finished with 30 points (10-14 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 8-11 FT), nine rebounds, nine assists, one block and two steals across 43 minutes during Friday's 122-101 win over the Warriors in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
ANALYSIS
James was masterful in the series-clinching victory, consistently driving the ball to the hoop and overpowering Golden State's interior defense. The future Hall of Famer posted his highest point total of the 2023 postseason, scoring 30 points on an ultra-efficient 10-for-14 shooting line. Not coincidentally, James took his fewest three-point shots (three) over his 12 postseason contests thus far. He also recorded his highest assist total (nine) of the Lakers' 2023 playoff run, leading the team in that category. With the Game 6 win, Los Angeles will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Nuggets, a team that James averaged 25.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.0 dimes against across three regular-season matchups.
May 12, 2023
Available for Game 6
James (foot) is available for Game 6 versus the Warriors, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNetreports.
ANALYSIS
No surprises here as James continues to shed endless probable tags. Anthony Davis (foot) has also been given the green light, and the Lakers aren't even mentioning the head issue he suffered in Game 5 which is a great sign.
May 11, 2023
Likely to play in Game 6
James is probable for Friday's Game 6 versus the Warriors due to right foot soreness, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to receive probable designations due to foot soreness but has yet to miss a playoff game due to the issue. Through 11 games this postseason, James has averaged 22.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists across 36.8 minutes. Although James' scoring is down from his regular-season average (28.9), James has scored 25 and 27 points in his last two appearances on 21.0 field goals per game.
May 10, 2023
Cleared to play in Game 5
James (foot) is available for Wednesday's Game 5 versus the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James is good to go Wednesday alongside Anthony Davis (foot) and Bamba (ankle). James is averaging 23.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 blocks in 35.8 minutes across the first four games of the series.
May 9, 2023
Gets a probable tag
James (foot) is probable for Game 5 versus the Warriors on Wednesday according to Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com.
ANALYSIS
No surprises here, as the Lakers have been listing James and Anthony Davis (foot) as probable for several weeks now. Barring a setback, both stars are expected to be in the lineup as the Lakers look to close out the series.
May 9, 2023
Solid production in Game 4 win
James totaled 27 points (10-25 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 5-5 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and one block in 43 minutes during Monday's 104-101 victory over the Warriors in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
ANALYSIS
James struggled with his efficiency but still posted a game-high 27 points, marking his fifth straight contest with at least 20. Across 10 postseason matchups, he's averaging 22.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 blocks in 36.5 minutes per game.
May 8, 2023
Cleared for Game 4
James (foot) will play in Monday's Game 4 against the Warriors, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was once again added to the injury report due to a lingering foot issue, but as expected, he's been cleared to take the court. He's averaging 22.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 blocks through his first three games of the series.
May 7, 2023
Listed as probable again
James (foot) is listed as probable for Game 4 versus the Warriors on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Probable designations have become commonplace for James in this year's playoffs, but his streak of 274 consecutive playoff games played doesn't figure to be in jeopardy. James and the Lakers will look to build upon the strong performance they posted in Game 3.
May 7, 2023
Drops 21 points after slow start
James had 21 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 7-8 FT), eight rebounds, eight assists and one block over 32 minutes during Saturday's 127-97 victory over the Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
ANALYSIS
James didn't take a single shot in the first quarter but finally got things going in the second and third quarter. Before taking a seat in the final stanza, James contributed 11 points in the third quarter, helping the Lakers put the game out of reach. The Lakers went back to a strategy that involved earlier involvement from Anthony Davis, which was sorely missing in the Game 2 loss.
May 6, 2023
Good to go
James (foot) is in the starting lineup for Game 3 versus Golden State on Saturday, Shane Young of Forbes.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James received the green light for Saturday's game after being listed as probable for the contest. Through the first two games of the series, James has averaged 22.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists over 34.0 minutes. However, he only saw 28 minutes in Game 2 due to blowout, so fantasy managers should expect more opportunities for the 38-year-old Saturday.
May 5, 2023
Probable for Saturday
James (foot) is probable for Game 3 versus the Warriors on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Probable tags are par for the course when it comes to James and Anthony Davis (foot), and there hasn't been much concern about either player in several weeks. James and Davis will be looking to get back on track after a dreadful showing in Game 2.
May 5, 2023
Fails to deliver in second half
James accumulated 23 points (10-18 FG, 3-8 3Pt), seven rebounds, three assists and one steal over 28 minutes during Thursday's 127-100 loss to the Warriors in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
ANALYSIS
James finally found his shooting stroke and had a game-high 21 first-half points, but he went just 1-for-5 from the field in the third quarter as Golden State's lead ballooned to 30 points and didn't play in the fourth, along with the rest of the Lakers' starters. As the series shifts to Los Angeles, it'll be important to keep an eye on Kevon Looney's (illness) availability. With Looney in the starting lineup in Game 1, Green was tasked with guarding James, which led to a poor shooting night for the latter, but Green had to shift to center in Game 2 with Looney not at 100 percent, which could've played a role in James' offensive explosion in the first half. Either way, the Lakers will likely need James and Davis at their best, regardless of who's being guarded by Green, to avoid giving back home-court advantage over the next two games.
May 4, 2023
Cleared to play Thursday
James (foot) has been cleared to play in Game 2 versus the Warriors on Thursday according to Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation.
ANALYSIS
Anthony Davis (foot) was also given the green light by the Lakers. The Lakers have made a habit of listing both James and Davis as probable, so their status wasn't in any real doubt.
May 3, 2023
Likely to play Thursday
James (right foot soreness) is probable for Thursday's Game 2 versus the Warriors, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has landed a probable designation leading up to every playoff game thus far and is once again on the injury report ahead of Thursday's Game 2 action. Despite this, James has managed to handle a full workload in every contest, averaging 22.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 blocks over 37.6 minutes per game in the playoffs.
May 3, 2023
Double-doubles in Game 1 win
James notched 22 points (9-24 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks across 40 minutes during Tuesday's 117-112 victory over Golden State in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
ANALYSIS
James struggled with his efficiency, especially from deep, but he made his presence felt on the boards and blocked three shots, including a clutch swat of Stephen Curry late in the fourth quarter. Draymond Green was tasked with guarding James, while Kevon Looney matched up with Anthony Davis, but it'll be interesting to see if Golden State switches up its defensive assignments after Davis' stellar outing in Game 1. Regardless of who's guarding James, he figures to remain aggressive as the series progresses and should have better shooting nights moving forward.
May 2, 2023
Good to go Tuesday
James (foot) is good to go for Game 1 versus the Warriors on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
James and Anthony Davis (foot) were both carrying probable tags into Tuesday but that is simply how the Lakers operate. Neither player was in any real jeopardy of missing the opening game of this series.
May 1, 2023
Handed another probable tag
James is listed as probable for Tuesday's Game 1 against the Warriors due to right foot soreness, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has unsurprisingly been added to his team's injury report, and all indications point towards him playing in the first game of the Western Conference Semifinals. Expect confirmation from the Lakers on his availability closer to tipoff.
Apr 29, 2023
Scores 22 in series-clinching win
James racked up 22 points (9-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), five rebounds, six assists and one steal over 31 minutes during Friday's 125-85 victory over Memphis in Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
ANALYSIS
James' final stat line wasn't eye-popping, according to his standards, but he was extremely efficient while also logging less than 35 minutes for the first time in the series. James averaged 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 blocks per game in the series, and he should be driving force for Los Angeles in the Conference Semifinals, regardless if the team ends up playing the Kings or Warriors.
Apr 28, 2023
Good to go Friday
James (foot) is in the starting lineup for Game 6 versus the Grizzlies on Friday.
ANALYSIS
No surprises here, and Anthony Davis (foot) has also been given the green light with both players carrying probable tags prior to this update. James will be looking to bounce back after a poor showing in Game 5 in which he was held to 15 points on 5-of-17 field goals.
Apr 27, 2023
Listed probable for Game 6
James (foot) is listed as probable for Game 6 versus the Grizzlies on Friday according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
ANALYSIS
Probable tags for James are nothing to be alarmed about. James is coming off a muted effort in Game 5, scoring just 15 points on 5-of-17 shooting. In addition to James, Anthony Davis (foot) and Dennis Schroder (Achilles) are also carrying probable tags.
Apr 26, 2023
Struggles shooting in Game 5 loss
James posted 15 points (5-17 FG, 1-9 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 116-99 loss to the Grizzlies in Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
ANALYSIS
James struggled shooting from the field Wednesday while shooting a 2023 playoff low mark from the field despite tallying a double-double performance. James failed to score more than 15 points for the first time this postseason, but has still recorded a double-double in four of his five outings.
Apr 26, 2023
Good to go Wednesday
James (foot) is available and in the starting lineup for Game 5 against the Grizzlies on Wednesday, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available yet again for Game 5. With the Lakers playing Memphis in a close-out game, the superstar forward will likely look to impose his will in order to obtain some extra rest ahead of the next round of the playoffs.
Apr 25, 2023
Listed as probable again
James (foot) is probable for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Grizzlies, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James, Anthony Davis (foot) and Dennis Schroder (foot) are all listed as probable again, but they've suited up for each game of the opening-round series thus far. James is coming off a 22-point, 20-rebound night in Game 4 and has averaged 24.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.0 steals in 38.5 minutes through four matchups versus Memphis.
Apr 25, 2023
Dominates glass in victory
James notched 22 points (8-18 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 5-7 FT), 20 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks over 45 minutes during Monday's 117-111 overtime win over the Grizzlies in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
ANALYSIS
James hauled in a playoff career-high 20 rebounds in the win, powering the Lakers to an emphatic come-from-behind victory. After a turbulent start to the season, the Lakers are now just one win away from eliminating the Grizzlies. Should they do so, a second-round matchup with either the Warriors or the Kings would await. With that series tied at 2-2, a victory in Game 5 could actually afford James some much-needed rest.
Apr 24, 2023
Ready for Game 4
James (foot) will play in Monday's Game 4 against the Grizzlies, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be added to the injury report as probable, but as expected, he should be able to shoulder a full workload Monday evening. He put up 25 points to go along with nine rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block over 36 minutes Saturday in Game 3.
Apr 23, 2023
Listed as probable
James (foot) is listed as probable for Monday's Game 4 against Memphis.
ANALYSIS
James, Anthony Davis (foot) and Dennis Schroder (foot) all continue to be listed as probable, but they've all suited up for each postseason game and will likely do so again Monday. Across the first three matchups of the opening-round series, James has averaged 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals in 36.3 minutes per game.
Apr 23, 2023
Solid line in victory
James ended Saturday's 111-101 victory over the Grizzlies in Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals with 25 points (10-20 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 5-7 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 36 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James came just one rebound shy of his third double-double of the series as the Lakers held a significant lead throughout. James and Anthony Davis put together a prolific first half where the Lakers led by as much as 29 points. With James and Davis both healthy, it's looking more and more likely that they'll pull a quarterfinal upset and advance.
Apr 22, 2023
Starting in Game 3 against Memphis
James (foot) is in the starting lineup for Game 3 against the Grizzlies on Saturday, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed as probable, but he was always expected to play in what will be a pivotal contest for the Lakers. The star forward is averaging 24.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in the first two games of the series, and he should handle a full workload with no restrictions as it has been the case in the entire postseason run so far.
Apr 21, 2023
Listed probable for Game 3
James (right foot soreness) is listed as probable for Game 3 against the Grizzlies on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Probable tags for James and Anthony Davis (foot) are usually par for the course, so there isn't any real concern here. It will be interesting to see how James responds after Dillon Brooks did his best to stir up some drama with the media after Memphis' Game 2 win to even the series.
Apr 20, 2023
Double-doubles in loss
James closed Wednesday's 103-93 loss to the Grizzlies in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals with 28 points (12-23 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 39 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers delivered a subpar performance across the board and James wasn't any different, as he struggled badly from deep and needed 23 shots to score 28 points. Despite the lack of efficiency as a shooter, the veteran still posted a strong fantasy line and should remain a key piece for the Lakers ahead of Game 3 on Saturday. He's averaging 26.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game over his last 10 appearances, dating back to the regular season and including the Play-In win over Minnesota.
Apr 19, 2023
Upgraded to available
James (foot) is available for Wednesday's Game 2 versus Memphis, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James, Anthony Davis (foot) and Dennis Schroder (foot) have all been upgraded from probable to available and will play Wednesday. In Game 1, James posted 21 points (8-16 FG), 11 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals in 34 minutes.
Apr 18, 2023
Nabs probable tag for Game 2
James holds a probable designation for Game 2 versus the Grizzlies with right foot soreness, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers have been liberal with their injury designations for much of the season, so there's nothing to fear with James ahead of Game 2. He' coming off a double-double and a well-rounded stat line in the playoff opener versus Memphis and will aim to direct the Lakers to a 2-0 series lead Wednesday.
Apr 16, 2023
Double-doubles in Game 1 win
James racked up 21 points (8-16 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals over 34 minutes during Sunday's 128-112 win over the Grizzlies in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
ANALYSIS
James was solid in the Lakers' postseason opener and didn't need to play hero, as Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves stole the show. James figures to be more aggressive as the series progresses, but he could continue to ride the hot hand as long as Los Angeles is in the driver's seat.
Apr 16, 2023
Will play Sunday
James (foot) is good to go for Sunday's Game 1 matchup with Memphis, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Darvin Ham said that James will not have any minutes restrictions for Game 1, so as long as it doesn't turn into a blowout, James should see minutes in the mid-30s. He's a reasonable target in daily fantasy leagues.
Apr 15, 2023
Probable for Sunday
James is dealing with right foot soreness but has been listed as probable for Game 1 against the Grizzlies on Sunday, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a regular name in the Lakers' injury report all season long, but as it has been the case most of the time, he shouldn't have problems being available with no restrictions for the series opener against Memphis. James notched 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks in the Play-In victory against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Apr 12, 2023
Logs 45 minutes in victory
James racked up 30 points (12-21 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal over 45 minutes during Tuesday's 108-102 overtime play-in game victory over Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
James played to the point of exhaustion Tuesday, helping lift his team to a narrow victory in front of a vocal home crowd. While the production was as expected, James did appear to be laboring at times, something to keep an eye on should their first-round series against the Grizzlies extend to six or seven games.
Apr 11, 2023
Good to go for Play-In
James (foot) is available for Tuesday's Play-In game versus the Timberwolves, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available Tuesday despite a lingering foot injury. The superstar forward is averaging 28.0 points, 7.2 assists and 7.0 rebounds in 32.8 minutes across his last five appearances and will not play under any minutes restriction.
Apr 10, 2023
Expected to play Tuesday
James (foot) is listed as probable for Tuesday's play-in game against Minnesota, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be added to the injury report after coming off a foot injury, but all indications point towards the star forward taking the floor. He scored 30-plus points in three of his final four regular-season contests and should be available for as many minutes as his team needs Tuesday evening.
Apr 10, 2023
Game-high 36 points, eight threes
James supplied 36 points (13-25 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal across 33 minutes during Sunday's 128-117 win over the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James was in the zone right from the jump, racking up 17 first-half points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field, including 3-of-6 from three as the Lakers jumped out to a nine-point lead at the break. He poured in another 19 points in the second half, with 12 of those points coming in the fourth quarter on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. The small forward knocked down a game-high eight threes in the contest while also leading all players in scoring with 36 points. James has now scored at least 30 points in three of his last four games and will look to lead the Lakers to victory when they play the Timberwolves at home in the play-in tournament on Tuesday.
Apr 9, 2023
Officially available and will start
James (foot) is available and will start Sunday's game against the Jazz, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James, Anthony Davis (foot) and D'Angelo Russell (foot) have all been upgraded to available and will suit up for the regular-season finale with the Lakers fighting for playoff positioning. Over his past six appearances, James has averaged 24.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 32.3 minutes per game.
Apr 9, 2023
Expected to play Sunday
James (foot) is expected to play Sunday against the Jazz, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James should be out there for the Lakers' regular-season finale, although he could hit the sidelines early if the game turns into a blowout, which wouldn't be all that surprising with Utah resting most of their main guys. James is safe to deploy in season-long settings, but he's a risky target in daily fantasy leagues.
Apr 8, 2023
Questionable Sunday
James (foot) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Jazz, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as questionable but has appeared in seven straight games, averaging 23.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 32.0 minutes. The Lakers' seeding remains in flux heading into the final day of the regular season.
Apr 7, 2023
Cleared to play Friday
James (foot) has been cleared to play on Friday against the Suns according to Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports.
ANALYSIS
James was carrying a questionable tag like Anthony Davis (foot), but both players will be available against a shorthanded Phoenix squad. James has been on a tear lately, averaging 35.0 points over his previous two games.
Apr 6, 2023
Questionable Friday
James (foot) is questionable for Friday's game against the Suns, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as questionable for every game since he came back from the foot injury, but he hasn't yet missed a game, so he feels a bit closer to probable. Managers can expect to get official word on his status closer to Friday's tip.
Apr 6, 2023
Surges in second half of loss
James ended Wednesday's 125-118 loss to the Clippers with 33 points (13-20 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-5 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal over 35 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James looked out of sorts in the first half of Wednesday's big crosstown contest, putting up just three points. He bounced back after halftime, tallying 30 points to finish with a game-high 33. The future Hall of Famer was particularly efficient from deep, going 4-fo-6 from three-point range. James appears to be well past the foot injury that cost him 13 games from Feb. 28 to March 24, as he's scored 70 points on 57.4 percent shooting from the field over his past two contests.
Apr 5, 2023
Gets green light
James (foot) will suit up for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been battling soreness in his right foot as of late but has played through the issue for five straight games. Considering James played 38 minutes Tuesday night, he could handle a slightly reduced workload. Regardless, in a game with significant seeding implications, James should be rearing to go.
Apr 5, 2023
Questionable, considered GTD
James (foot) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has appeared in the last five games despite his lingering foot issue, but he's considered a game-time decision for Wednesday's matchup, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports. James has averaged 23.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 32.0 minutes per game over his last five outings, while Lonnie Walker and Troy Brown would be candidates for increased run if the veteran is sidelined.
Apr 5, 2023
Scores game-high 37 points
James (foot) racked up 37 points (14-27 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 6-6 FT), five rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal over 38 minutes during Tuesday's 135-133 overtime win over the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James came into the contest listed as questionable with foot soreness, but he suited up for a fifth straight game and notched his four consecutive start. Tuesday's performance was by far James' best scoring outing since returning from a 13-game absence, but he continues to struggle with his three-point shot and is shooting just 24 percent from deep over his past five appearances, though the Lakers are still 4-1 during that stretch.
Apr 3, 2023
Questionable Tuesday
James (foot) is questionable Tuesday against the Jazz, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James recently missed a month due to his foot issue, but he's been back in action over the last four matchups. It wouldn't be surprising to see him suit up once again Tuesday as the Lakers battle for a postseason spot.
Apr 2, 2023
Available Sunday
James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Rockets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was questionable for Sunday's matchup due to his foot injury, but he'll be able to appear in a fourth consecutive game following his month-long absence. Over his last three appearances, he's averaged 20.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 31.0 minutes per game.
Apr 1, 2023
Questionable at Houston
James (foot) is questionable for Sunday's action against the Rockets, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James will presumably be on the injury report for the remainder of the regular season. Sunday would mark his fourth appearance since his return from a month-long absence, but if there's an opportunity to give him some rest, it might be either Sunday or Tuesday, given the soft matchups against Houston and Utah.
Apr 1, 2023
Posts well-rounded line Friday
James finished Friday's 123-111 win over the Timberwolves with 18 points (7-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal across 32 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James took a backseat to Anthony Davis (38 points, 17 rebounds) in a game with significant playoff implications, but the All-Star forward still made a big impact. James posted his first double-double since returning Sunday from a 13-game absence, and he also contributed six dimes, two blocks and a steal. James didn't shoot particularly well Friday, but he has five more games to shake any lingering rust as Los Angeles vies either for Play-In positioning or to claw up to the sixth seed and avoid the Play-In Tournament altogether.
Mar 31, 2023
Will play Friday, per head coach
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said James (foot) will play Friday against the Timberwolves, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up for a third straight game after missing extended time with the foot issue. Over his past two contests (both versus Chicago), James averaged 22.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 30.5 minutes, but the Lakers will need everything they can get out of the superstar forward in a critical Western Conference showdown Friday night.
Mar 30, 2023
Questionable Friday
James (foot) is questionable for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has suited up in the last two games after missing time with his foot injury, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him available again Friday since the Lakers are in a narrow race for a postseason spot. He returned to the starting lineup Wednesday against Chicago and tallied 25 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in 31 minutes.
Mar 30, 2023
Starts Wednesday, scores 25 points
James racked up 25 points (10-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, four assists and two steals across 31 minutes during Wednesday's 121-110 win over the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
James came off the bench Sunday in his first game back from a multi-week absence due to a foot issue, but he was back with the starting unit three days later. The future Hall of Famer doesn't seem to be inhibited by the injured foot, as he shot well from the field and also pulled down seven boards -- three of which were of the offensive variety. The Lakers are 1.5 games out of the sixth spot and 1.5 games ahead of the 11th spot in the Western Conference, so James might not be able to take a day off over the team's final six regular-season games.
Mar 29, 2023
Returns to staring lineup
James is in the starting five for Wednesday's game versus Chicago, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will replace Troy Brown in the starting five Wednesday after coming off the bench in his previous outing. James also played 30 minutes Sunday, so there is no indication that he will be on a minutes restriction.
Mar 29, 2023
Good to go against Chicago
James (foot) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Bulls, Chuck Swirsky of the Bulls Radio Network reports.
ANALYSIS
James will make his second straight appearance Wednesday after being upgraded from questionable to available with a foot injury. The superstar forward came off the bench in his last outing, so it remains to be seen if he will rejoin the starting unit against the Bulls.
Mar 28, 2023
Listed as probable for Wednesday
James (foot) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Bulls, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
After a 13-game absence, James returned to action Sunday and tallied 19 points (6-11 FG), eight rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes off the bench. With the Lakers fighting for a playoff spot, it would be surprising to see James take a seat unless his foot injury took a turn for the worse, but his official availability will likely come down to a game-time decision.
Mar 26, 2023
Big minutes in return
James ended with 19 points (6-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 7-8 FT), eight rebounds and three assists across 30 minutes during Sunday's 118-108 loss to the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
While he wasn't immediately inserted back into the starting lineup after missing the prior 13 games due to a foot injury, James still saw a big workload off the bench as his team tries to stay in the playoff picture. The future Hall of Famer will get a couple days to rest before the Lakers face the Bulls again, this time back in Chicago on Wednesday, and he'll likely move into the starting five then.
Mar 26, 2023
Will come off the bench Sunday
James will come off the bench for Sunday's game against the Bulls, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will be coming off the bench for just the second game of his career, likely in an effort to conserve his minutes in his first game back after a month-long layoff. He's still safe to activate in season-long settings, but perhaps not the best target in daily fantasy leagues.
Mar 26, 2023
Will play Sunday
James (foot) will play Sunday against the Bulls, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
King James is back in action after spending a month on the sidelines, and while he may have his minutes monitored, he's still someone that should be activated in all season-long settings. His return will likely result in Troy Brown returning to the second unit, and Austin Reeves' usage will dip. Lonnie Walker could fall out of the rotation entirely with James active.
Mar 26, 2023
Now questionable
James (foot) has been upgraded to questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Bulls, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed 13 straight games due to right foot soreness, but it appears he's closing in on a return to game action. However, his official availability for Sunday's matchup likely won't be known until closer to the 3:30 p.m. ET tipoff. If he remains sidelined, James' next opportunity to suit up would come in a rematch against the Bulls in Chicago on Wednesday.
Mar 25, 2023
Upgraded to doubtful Sunday
James (foot) has been upgraded to doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Bulls, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Recent reports have indicated James will likely be back before the end of the regular season, and the team officially listing him as doubtful rather than out is a step in that direction. Optimistically, he could be back as soon as Wednesday's game against the Bulls, assuming he sits out the first of the two-game set. More information should emerge in the coming days.
Mar 23, 2023
Returns to basketball activies
James (foot) has begun on-court activity and a "gradual movement program" but remains without an official return timetable, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James hasn't played since Feb. 26 due to a right foot injury. However, the superstar forward still plans on returning before the end of the regular season. The Lakers currently sit at 10th in the Western Conference and will likely continue to rely on Anthony Davis to shoulder the offensive load until James retakes the court.
Mar 19, 2023
Expected back this season
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Sunday that he anticipates James (foot) returning "at some point [this season]," Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
It's been three weeks since James suffered a tendon injury in his right foot, and Sunday's game against Orlando will mark his 11th straight absence. While he remains without a firm timetable, this update would seem to imply that it's possible the four-time MVP could be back in action before the end of the regular season. That would be a welcomed development for a Lakers team desperately attempting to cling to a Play-In spot in the Western Conference. Fantasy-wise, James can safely be ruled out for at least one more week.
Mar 14, 2023
Gets shots up Tuesday
James (foot) remains out, but he was able to do some weight lifting and shooting during Tuesday's shootaround, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be sidelined due to a right foot tendon injury and is expected to be re-evaluated next week, but it's encouraging to see him making at least some progress in his rehab. The Lakers are in a three-way tie for ninth place in the West, so James' potential return could provide a major boost during the stretch run. Meanwhile, Troy Brown, Lonnie Walker and Rui Hachimura are all candidates for increased playmaking opportunities behind Anthony Davis (foot) and D'Angelo Russell.
Mar 2, 2023
Officially ruled out three weeks
Laker' medical staff determined Thursday that James has sustained a right foot tendon injury and will reevaluated in approximately three weeks, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James hopes to return by the end of March as he will heal his foot injury without surgery. The 37-year-old superstar has been hobbled by injuries throughout his tenure with Los Angeles. The Lakers currently sit 11th in the Western Conference and will almost certainly need James to retake the court to even make the Play-In Tournament. Role players like Troy Brown, Lonnie Walker and Rui Hachimura will likely see extended playing time in his absence, while Anthony Davis (foot) is expected to shoulder more of the offensive workload.
Mar 2, 2023
Won't undergo surgery
James will not require on his right foot, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to miss at least two to three weeks due to right foot soreness and will likely be re-evaluated in mid-March. However, avoiding surgery gives the superstar forward a good chance to return this season and help the Lakers in their playoff push. In James' absence, Troy Brown should continue to start.
Feb 28, 2023
Will miss at least 2-to-3 weeks
James (foot) is expected to miss "at least two or three weeks," per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
ANALYSIS
While the Lakers are maintaining that James will miss an "indefinite" period of time, Charania notes that the four-time MVP will likely be re-evaluated sometime in mid-March. With the Lakers chasing a playoff spot, this is obviously a major setback, especially as the team enters a difficult portion of its schedule. So long as James is sidelined, Anthony Davis will function as the Lakers' clear No. 1 option, while D'Angelo Russell (ankle), Malik Beasley, Rui Hachimura and Dennis Schroder will all be tasked with picking up more of the offensive workload. Minutes-wise, Jarred Vanderbilt, Troy Brown and Hachimura could be among the biggest beneficiaries of James' absence.
Feb 27, 2023
Expected to miss extended time
The Lakers believe that James will miss significant time due to a right foot injury suffered during Sunday's game against the Mavericks, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has already been ruled out for the team's upcoming matchup Tuesday against the Grizzlies, and the medical staff will likely continue to evaluate the star forward over the next few days to determine the length of his absence. Per Charania, the belief from the organization is that James will be shut down for multiple weeks, and he's expected to be sent for multiple opinions.
Feb 27, 2023
Won't play Tuesday
James has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Memphis due to right foot soreness, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James played through his foot injury during Sunday's comeback win over Dallas but will be unavailable for the first half of a back-to-back set Tuesday. Troy Brown, Rui Hachimura and Lonnie Walker are candidates to see increased playing time against the Grizzlies, while James' next chance to suit up will be Wednesday against Oklahoma City.
Feb 26, 2023
Tweaks ankle in comeback win
James tweaked his right ankle during Sunday's comeback win over the Mavericks and he will be re-evaluated Monday morning, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
While James was able to play through the ankle tweak Sunday, this is the sort of injury that can swell up and get worse overnight. The Lakers' next two games come as a Tuesday-Wednesday back-to-back, so it wouldn't be surprising to see King James rested for one of those. If he does hit the sidelines, Rui Hachimura and Lonnie Walker would likely get a bump in minutes while Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder would likely see a spike in usage.
Feb 26, 2023
Will play Sunday
James (foot) is available for Sunday's matchup against the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
James struggled with his shot in the Lakers' first game following the All-Star break, scoring 13 points while going 5-for-20 from the field, but he made up for it by dishing out eight assists, his most since Jan. 31. Los Angeles cruised to a win over the Warriors during the contest, and James ended with a season-low 26 minutes. It initially appeared like his limited playing time was simply due to the Lakers' large lead, but he landed on the injury report again with a foot injury. However, as has been the case all season, the MVP candidate will once again play through injury and should garner his usual workload against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. Since the start of January, James has appeared in 18 of 24 contests and is averaging 31.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks in 36.4 minutes per game.
Feb 25, 2023
Listed as probable Sunday
James (foot) has been listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Mavericks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James is dealing with soreness in his left foot, but the fact that he's been listed as probable suggests he shouldn't have problems featuring Sunday against Luka Doncic and the Mavs. James has been nothing short of excellent in recent weeks, averaging 25.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game across five February appearances.
Feb 24, 2023
Shoots poorly in near triple-double
James had 13 points (5-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds and eight assists across 26 minutes during Thursday's 124-111 win over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James suffered through one of the worst shooting performances of his career Thursday, though the Lakers outscored Golden State by 22 points while he was on the court. Of course, James' contributions usually extend beyond scoring, and he was able to partly make up for the inefficient shooting with nine boards and a team-high eight assists. It's unclear if the minor finger injury James sustained in the All-Star Game affected his performance in his first contest out of the break, but odds are that he'll shoot much better than this moving forward as he attempts to help push the Lakers into playoff position.
Feb 23, 2023
Will play Thursday
James (foot) will play Thursday against the Warriors, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially considered probable for Thursday's contest as he continues to deal with left foot soreness. He has been playing through this lingering injury for most of the season, so it's not much of a surprise that he's suiting up.
Feb 22, 2023
Officially listed probable
James is probable for Thursday's game against the Warriors due to left foot soreness, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James left the All-Star Game after 14 minutes with a finger injury that resulted from hitting his hand on the rim but the injury appears to have healed. He has been a mainstay on the injury report this season with lingering foot soreness, but he should be available Thursday given the multi-day break. Fantasy managers should expect James to be a full-go for the contest and could see James miss fewer games as the Lakers make a push for the playoffs.
Feb 22, 2023
Not bothered by hand injury
Coach Darvin Ham said James' hand injury is "not an issue at all", Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James left the All-Star Game early due to a right hand contusion but should be available for Thursday's matchup with the Warriors. The superstar forward had also been dealing with a nagging ankle injury but was able to suit up Sunday. James is a must-start in all fantasy formats when available.
Feb 19, 2023
Won't play second half of ASG
James has been ruled out for the second half of Sunday's All-Star Game due to a hand injury, NBA writer Marc Stein reports.
ANALYSIS
James posted 13 points (6-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt), four assists and one rebound in 14 minutes during the first half of the All-Star Game but will be held out down the stretch. He dealt with an ankle injury shortly before the All-Star break, but the severity of his hand injury is unclear. The Lakers return to action Thursday against the Warriors, and James recently expressed his desire to play as much as possible to close out the regular season as the team competes for a postseason berth.
Feb 16, 2023
Scores 21 in return
James ended with 21 points (7-14 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 7-10 FT), six rebounds, six assists and one block in 29 minutes during Wednesday's 120-102 victory over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James was back in the lineup after three straight games on the sidelines due to left ankle soreness. The Lakers mixed it up with Jarred Vanderbilt next to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, a move that will take some pressure off James on the defensive end. He'll get plenty of rest during the All-Star break and will need to finish the season strong if the Lakers are to advance to the playoffs.
Feb 15, 2023
Good to go Wednesday
James (ankle) is part of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed three straight games with left ankle soreness but will return for the Lakers' final contest before the All-Star break. Coach Darvin Ham is testing a new starting lineup around James consisting of D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Anthony Davis. His return will likely mean Troy Brown and Lonnie Walker will have fewer opportunities.
Feb 14, 2023
Listed questionable Wednesday
James (left ankle) has been listed questionable for Wednesday against the Pelicans according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
ANALYSIS
The questionable tag isn't surprising because that's how the Lakers operate with their injury reports, but Brad Turner reported Monday that James was eyeing a return against the Pelicans. For that reason, it's safe to say he's closer to probable despite his current designation. If James does play, that would be bad news for the fantasy value of Dennis Schroder, Troy Brown Jr. and Lonnie Walker.
Feb 13, 2023
Eyeing Wednesday return
James (ankle) has already been ruled out for Monday's game against Portland but should be cleared to return Wednesday against New Orleans, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been sidelined for nearly one week while recovering from a left ankle injury, but coach Darvin Ham believes the star forward will be back in action later in the week. The Lakers are likely to monitor James' status closely over the next few days, and if all goes according to plan, he figures to be back on the court Wednesday evening.
Feb 13, 2023
Ruled out Monday
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James participated in Monday's shootaround but will be unavailable for a third consecutive game due to his sore left ankle. Austin Reaves, Troy Brown and Lonnie Walker should continue to handle increased roles against Portland, while James' final chance to return before the All-Star break will be Wednesday against the Pelicans.
Feb 13, 2023
Participates in shootaround
James (ankle) participated in Monday's shootaround, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been out for the last two games due to left ankle soreness, and he's questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Trail Blazers. However, his participation in the team's morning shootaround suggests that he could return for the Lakers' penultimate game before the All-Star break. If James is able to return against Portland, Austin Reaves, Troy Brown and Lonnie Walker could see decreased playing time.
Feb 12, 2023
Questionable Monday
James (ankle) is considered questionable for Monday's game against Portland, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Somewhat surprisingly, James has missed the last two games due to soreness in his left ankle, which has been an on-and-off ailment throughout the season. The hope is that the NBA's all-time leading scorer can get back on the floor Monday to begin a four-game week for the Lakers.
Feb 11, 2023
Won't play Saturday
James (ankle) will not play Saturday against the Warriors, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James' persistent ankle soreness continues to land him on the injury report and occasionally prevent him from playing, though Saturday marks his first time with consecutive absences since late November. The Lakers' newly-acquired players will all be available to play, minus Mo Bamba (suspension), so things could be somewhat disjointed due to a lack of chemistry. James' next chance to play is Monday against the Trail Blazers.
Feb 10, 2023
Questionable for Saturday
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's clash with the Warriors, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James took the night off Thursday against the Bucks after taking the all-time scoring lead during Tuesday's tilt versus the Thunder. His status for Saturday appears to be up in the air as well, but the team should supply more clarity ahead of the 8:30 PM ET opening tipoff.
Feb 9, 2023
Won't play Thursday
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bucks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James appeared in the Lakers' last four games despite his ankle injury, but he'll be unable to suit up for Thursday's home game against the Bucks. Lonnie Walker and Austin Reaves are candidates to see additional playing time, while D'Angelo Russell (recently traded) and Malik Beasley (recently traded) could also provide assistance if they're able to make their team debut Thursday.
Feb 8, 2023
Questionable against Milwaukee
James is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Bucks due to left ankle soreness.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a nagging ankle injury but has played in the Lakers' last four games. With the new additions of D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Malik Beasley, it's unclear if they will be able to receive minutes in the superstar forward's potential absence Wednesday. Regardless, James' next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with Golden State if he can't go against Milwaukee.
Feb 8, 2023
Becomes all-time scoring leader
James posted 38 points (13-20 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 8-10 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in 34 minutes during Tuesday's 133-130 loss to the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James got off to a roaring start offensively with 20 points in the first half on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, adding two boards, two assists and two steals. He was even better in the third quarter, knocking down six of eight shot attempts for another 16 points to eclipse Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scoring leader. The small forward finished with a game-high 38 points on 65 percent shooting from the floor and now sits at 38,390 points for his career, just three points ahead of Abdul-Jabbar. James has now scored 25 or more points in five straight, though his three assists on the night were the fewest he's recorded in a game since Nov. 28.
Feb 7, 2023
Good to go Tuesday
James (ankle) is good to go for Tuesday against the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James will be looking to make history Tuesday night, as he enters the game just 35 points shy of the all-time scoring record. If he's unable to reach that milestone, his next chance will be Thursday against the Bucks.
Feb 6, 2023
Questionable Tuesday
James is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Thunder due to left ankle soreness, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to manage a sore left ankle but has appeared in three straight showings for Los Angeles. Sitting just 35 points behind the all-time scoring record, if James is ruled active, the future Hall of Famer presents a legitimate chance at surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabarr's record Tuesday. If James is ultimately ruled out, his next chance to suit up comes Thursday against the Bucks.
Feb 5, 2023
Puts up 27 points in loss
James finished Saturday's 131-126 loss to the Pelicans with 27 points (10-22 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 6-9 FT), nine rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James moved closer to breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record, and there's a realistic chance he can make history Tuesday when the Lakers take on the Thunder at crypto.com Arena. He's scored 20-plus points in all but one game since the start of the new year and is averaging 32.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 8.0 assists and a combined 1.2 steals/blocks per game in 2023 alone. For what is worth, James is only 36 points away from passing Abdul-Jabbar, and he has scored at least 30 points in three of his last seven appearances.
Feb 4, 2023
Good to go Saturday
James (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Saturday's game versus the Pelicans, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James sported a questionable tag on the initial injury report but seemed a good bet to take the floor with a day off between the games. James will resume his usual duties and aim to lead the Lakers to a third straight win Saturday. The King is averaging 33.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists since the calendar flipped to 2023.
Feb 3, 2023
Listed questionable for Saturday
Jams is considered questionable for Saturday's game versus the Pelicans due to left ankle soreness, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has a history of being listed as questionable and has most often played in the contest. With a day off between games, it seems likely he will be in action Saturday as well, but it will still be worth keeping tabs on the superstar's status ahead of the 6 PM ET opening tipoff.
Feb 3, 2023
Efficient shooting in win
James notched 26 points (11-19 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds and seven assists over 33 minutes during Thursday's 112-111 win over the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James shot the ball extremely well outside of the first quarter where he went 1-of-4 for just three points. From the second quarter on he shot 66.6 percent from the field to finish with 26 points on the night, adding seven rebounds and seven assists. Nine of his points came in the fourth quarter on 3-of-5 shooting as the Lakers narrowly escaped with the win over Indiana. James has now scored at least 25 points in eight of his last 10 games, shooting 51.6 percent from the field over that stretch.
Feb 2, 2023
Will play Thursday
James (ankle) will take the floor Thursday versus the Pelicans, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James sported a questionable designation leading up to the contest but seemed a strong candidate to play with the night off between games. James matched a season-high total of 11 assists en route to his first triple-double of the season Tuesday. He should have a shot at another huge effort Thursday versus a Pacers team that ranks among the league's fastest in terms of pace and the bottom 10 in defensive efficiency.
Feb 1, 2023
Questionable Thursday
James (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against Indiana, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed Monday's game against Brooklyn due to his sore left ankle, but he returned to action Tuesday against the Knicks and posted 28 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and a steal in 43 minutes. He's still dealing with his ankle issue ahead of Thursday's matchup, but given his workload Tuesday, it seems unlikely that he'll face any limitations if he's available against the Pacers.
Feb 1, 2023
Triple-double in OT win
James supplied 28 points (11-25 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 10 rebounds, 11 assists and one steal in 43 minutes during Tuesday's 129-123 overtime victory over New York.
ANALYSIS
It was another big night for the future Hall of Famer in his return from a one-game absence to nurse a minor ankle injury. James recorded his first triple-double of the season while moving past Steve Nash into fourth place on the NBA's career assists leaderboard, and he also sits just 89 points behind all-time leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a record he figures to claim before the All-Star break given his current pace. James hasn't scored below 20 points in a game since early November, and he averaged 33.0 points through 12 games in January while adding 9.3 boards, 8.4 assists and 2.6 threes.
Jan 31, 2023
Ready to roll Tuesday
James (ankle) will suit up for Tuesday's game versus the Knicks, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
A report surfaced early in the day that James would play in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, but the team officially listed him as questionable, and it was suggested he would test things out in warmups. It appears all went well, and James will resume his duties in the starting five, looking to bolster a recent stretch that's seen him go for north of 40 points in two of the last three games.
Jan 31, 2023
Officially questionable Tuesday
James (ankle) is listed as questionable to play in Tuesday's game versus the Knicks, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. However, an earlier report from Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com indicated he will play.
ANALYSIS
While the team is listing James as questionable, it's almost a certainty that he will be in uniform at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. James fell a board and two assists shy of a triple-double against the Celtics on Saturday and continues to handle a healthy shot volume, attempting no fewer than 20 in a game since Jan. 6.
Jan 31, 2023
Good to go Tuesday
James (ankle) will suit up for Tuesday's game versus the Knicks, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James sat out the front end of the Lakers' back-to-back set Monday to rest but will rejoin the action Tuesday, for the second game in two nights playing in the state of New York. James has collected 40-plus points in two of the last three outings and should continue to be leaned on if the Lakers are to make a push toward the playoffs.
Jan 29, 2023
Will sit out Monday
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against the Nets.
ANALYSIS
James continues to battle left ankle soreness and will take a seat for the first half of the Lakers' back-to-back set, marking his first absence since Jan. 9. It appears like veteran forward's absence is simply a load-management situation, so expect James to return to action Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. Anthony Davis (foot) is also out Monday, so Thomas Bryant, Wenyen Gabriel, Rui Hachimura and Juan Toscano-Anderson are all candidates for increased roles against the Nets.
Jan 28, 2023
Recieves green light
James (ankle) will play in Saturday's game against the Celtics, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has dealt with a sore ankle lately but has managed to play through the issue with no restrictions. Saturday's contest will be more of the same after being upgraded from questionable to active. James has crossed the 30-point threshold in five of his last eight contests and is a nightly triple-double threat.
Jan 27, 2023
Questionable Saturday
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against Boston, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to manage a sore left ankle, but he's been available for the last eight matchups and has averaged 33.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 36.9 minutes per game over that stretch. He's posted four double-doubles across those eight appearances, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him available once again Saturday.
Jan 26, 2023
Leads rally to pull away late
James supplied 20 points (8-20 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine rebounds and 11 assists across 35 minutes during Wednesday's 113-104 victory over the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
James was connecting with Anthony Davis and new asset Rui Hachimura all evening, but he took matters into his own hands in the fourth quarter and almost single-handedly put the Spurs away for good. Davis has been on an incredible run, and the hits should keep coming now that Anthony Davis is back to pick up the slack.
Jan 25, 2023
Will play Wednesday
James (ankle) is "ready to go" for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
There were some concerns James would sit Wednesday considering the contest was the second half of a back-to-back set. However, James will suit up, meaning the Lakers will have their star duo of James and Anthony Davis (foot) active together for the first time since Dec. 16. Although James would usually be set for a lower usage rate with Davis active, Davis will be under a heavy minutes restriction and will come off the bench, so James should continue to be the clear No. 1 option.
Jan 25, 2023
Questionable Wednesday
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has played through his left ankle soreness recently and has been dominant, averaging 35.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 37.1 minutes per game over his last seven appearances. He's still dealing with the issue ahead of the second half of a back-to-back set, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him suit up once again.
Jan 25, 2023
Logs GOAT-like performance
James contributed 46 points (16-29 FG, 9-14 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists, one block and two steals across 33 minutes during Tuesday's 133-115 loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
With Tuesday's loss to the Clippers, James completed the 30-team Superfecta, scoring at least 40 points against every team in the NBA over his prestigious career. James also surpassed his all-time record for three-pointers, with nine drained treys in the contest. James recorded his 101st 40-point game and is getting ever closer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career scoring record.
Jan 24, 2023
Cleared to play
James (ankle) will play Tuesday night against the Clippers, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James was added to the injury report as questionable due to his lingering ankle injury, but he's been given the green light to take the court Tuesday evening. He's averaging 35.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.2 blocks over his last five matchups.
Jan 23, 2023
Listed questionable once again
James is questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Clippers with left ankle soreness, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As has been the case for most of the season, James is listed as questionable due to ankle soreness. The 38-year-old has appeared in six consecutive outings and should be expected to suit up for Tuesday's cross-town showdown against the Clippers.
Jan 23, 2023
Moving closer to all-time record
James registered 37 points (14-24 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 7-10 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks over 36 minutes during Sunday's 121-112 victory over Portland.
ANALYSIS
James had another impressive performance considering he's 38 years old. The star forward keeps moving closer to becoming the all-time leading scorer in The Association, as he's now just 224 points away from surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Record stats aside, James continues to play at a very high level and has been one of the most productive forwards in the Western Conference this month. He's averaging 33.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists and a combined 1.6 blocks/steals across 37.6 minutes per game in January.
Jan 22, 2023
Will play at Portland
James (ankle) will be available for Sunday night's game at Portland, Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report reports.
ANALYSIS
James will likely continue to be included on the injury report for each game going forward, but this will be his sixth straight appearance as the Lakers look to build on Friday night's win over Memphis. James finished that contest with 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks in 37 minutes. The 23 points were his fewest in any game since Dec. 9.
Jan 21, 2023
Questionable at Portland
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to battle left ankle soreness, though he's appeared in five straight games. During this stretch, he's averaged 32.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 38.3 minutes.
Jan 21, 2023
Scores 23 in win over Memphis
James amassed 23 points (8-21 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals over 37 minutes during Friday's 122-121 win over the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James had his quietest offensive game in recent memory -- the last time he had scored fewer than 24 points was Dec. 9 against Philadelphia -- but Los Angeles was able to pull out a narrow one-point win anyway. Despite the relatively quiet scoring output, James was still productive, especially at the defensive end -- he tallied multiple steals and blocks for the first time since the Lakers' third game of the season. It's a nice bonus whenever the perennial All-Star is knocking down his free-throw tries, and with Friday's 6-for-7 performance, James has gone 29-for-33 (87.9 percent) from the charity stripe over his past four contests.
Jan 20, 2023
Good to go
James (ankle) is available for Friday's matchup with the Grizzlies, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was given a questionable designation due to left ankle soreness, but that will ultimately not keep him sidelined. Barring any setbacks, look for him to take on his usual workload.
Jan 19, 2023
Questionable once again
James is questionable for Friday's game against the Grizzlies due to left ankle soreness, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as questionable for each of the last three contests but has been upgraded to available in each and should be expected to do the same Friday. Across that three games stretch, James has averaged 38.3 points, 9.3 assists and 8.0 rebounds across 35.9 minutes.
Jan 19, 2023
Can't carry Lakers to win
James accumulated 32 points (11-25 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 8-9 FT), eight rebounds, nine assists, one block and one steal over 36 minutes during Wednesday's 116-111 loss to Sacramento.
ANALYSIS
James not only led Los Angeles in scoring in the contest, he was the team's only starter to finish with more than eight points, and he outscored the other four starters combined. The ageless veteran also paced the Lakers in assists and rebounds Wednesday, but it wasn't enough to get his team over the finish line. James turned the ball over only once in the loss, so the only complaint his fantasy managers can fairly put forth is that he was less efficient than usual in terms of shooting. Despite his below-standard 11-for-25 mark from the field against the Kings, James is shooting 52.0 percent overall through seven games in January, and he has been superb over that span with per-game averages of 34.9 points, 9.4 boards, 8.6 dimes, 1.4 triples and 0.9 steals.
Jan 18, 2023
Available Wednesday
James (ankle) will play in Wednesday's game against the Kings, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.
ANALYSIS
James entered the day questionable due to left ankle soreness, a designation that may have worried fantasy managers considering it was a downgrade from his usual probable status. However, the four-time MVP will take the floor for Wednesday's tilt and should see his typical workload. James has averaged 33.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists over 37.7 minutes per game in his last five appearances.
Jan 17, 2023
Questionable with sore ankle
James is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Kings due to left ankle soreness, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has played through the ankle soreness across most of the past two months, and his status remains in question heading into Wednesday's contest. The 38-year-old has averaged over his past four games, and he's continued to produce at an elite level during that stetch with 36.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists.
Jan 17, 2023
Blasts rockets with vintage effort
James logged 48 points (16-26 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 11-12 FT), eight rebounds and nine assists over 36 minutes during Monday's 140-132 win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James was not only productive in the victory, he was also efficient from all areas of the floor, going 11-for-16 from two-point range, 5-for-10 from beyond the arc and 11-for-12 from the charity stripe. On top of that, the future Hall of Famer finished without a turnover for the third time this season on a night when the Lakers set a franchise record with just two miscues as a team. James was particularly effective when it mattered most, scoring 20 of his season-high 48 points in the fourth period, including six points in the final minute of a close ballgame. Since turning 38 years old Dec. 30, James has posted three games of 40-plus points across seven contests, averaging 37.0 points, 9.7 boards, 8.6 assists and 1.7 three-pointers over that span. Given his continued defiance of Father Time, it's a foregone conclusion that, barring injury, James will surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time NBA scoring mark before season's end -- and possibly before the All-Star break.
Jan 16, 2023
Available Monday
James (ankle) will play in Monday's contest against the Rockets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will officially appear in this third consecutive contest after entering Monday questionable with an ankle injury. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 32.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.0 steals across 38.6 minutes per game over his first five appearances of 2023.
Jan 16, 2023
Questionable Monday
James (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Rockets, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James played through his ankle injury in the last two matchups and averaged 29.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists in 41.0 minutes per game. However, he's questionable ahead of the second half of a back-to-back set after being listed as probable for recent games. Juan Toscano-Anderson and Wenyen Gabriel could see increased run if James is unavailable.
Jan 16, 2023
Huge double-double in loss
James supplied 35 points (15-23 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), eight rebounds, 10 assists, one block and one steal across 35 minutes during Sunday's 113-112 loss to the 76ers.
ANALYSIS
Although Philly couldn't contain James, the 76ers prevailed in beating the Lakers once again. Although he's missed a couple of games, James is enjoying an excellent January, averaging 32.8 points, 10.0 assists and 8.4 rebounds over five games.
Jan 15, 2023
Available Sunday
James (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the 76ers, NBA writer Marc Stein reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a sore left ankle, but he'll be able to play through the issue for a second consecutive game. He's recorded double-doubles in four of his last five appearances and has averaged 35.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 39.6 minutes per game during that time.
Jan 14, 2023
Probable for Sunday
James is listed as probable for Sunday's game versus the 76ers with left ankle soreness.
ANALYSIS
James' probable tag has become fairly routine at this point, so there's little to be concerned about when he's given that tag, barring a downgrade in the next 24 hours. James has been hot of late, averaging 35.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.2 assists over 39.6 minutes per game in his last five appearances.
Jan 13, 2023
Big line tempered by poor shooting
James posted 24 points (9-28 FG, 0-7 3Pt, 6-10 FT), 16 rebounds, nine assists and two steals across 47 minutes during Thursday's 119-115 double-overtime loss to the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
James has long been the type of player who can put up huge stats even on his least effective days, and that was the case Thursday as the 38-year-old fell just one assist shy of a triple-double. However, James also shot just 9-for-28 from the field, including 0-for-7 from three-point range, and failed to make a field goal during either overtime period. His rough shooting night may be partly the result of a sore left ankle that he has been recently battling, though James was able to give the Lakers a season-high 47 minutes in the loss. Los Angeles doesn't play again until Sunday, so James will have two days to recuperate after Thursday's heavy workload.
Jan 12, 2023
Will play Thursday
James (ankle) will play Thursday against the Mavericks, Chris Mannix reports.
ANALYSIS
James will return from his one-game absence Thursday, after dealing with left ankle soreness. The 38-year-old is slated for a big role offensively with Anthony Davis (foot), Austin Reaves (hamstring) and Lonnie Walker (knee) all unavailable against the Mavericks.
Jan 11, 2023
Likely to play Thursday
James (ankle) is probable for Thursday's matchup with the Mavericks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James is slated to return from a one-game absence due to left ankle soreness. With Anthony Davis (foot), Austin Reaves (hamstring) and Lonnie Walker (knee) all sidelined for the contest, James will be responsible for commanding most of the offense.
Jan 9, 2023
Ruled out Monday
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Nuggets, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was downgraded from probable to questionable earlier Monday, and he'll be sidelined for the second time in the last four games as he continues to deal with a sore left ankle. Juan Toscano-Anderson and Wenyen Gabriel are candidates to see increased run against the Nuggets.
Jan 9, 2023
Downgraded to questionable
James (ankle) has been downgraded to questionable for Monday's game against the Nuggets, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially deemed probable for Monday's game due to left ankle soreness, but he's trending in the wrong direction ahead of tipoff. He'll still be in the mix to suit up against Denver, but the Lakers will presumably see how he fares during pregame warmups before determining his status.
Jan 8, 2023
Probable for Monday
James has been listed as probable for Monday's game due to left ankle soreness, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
It's not a surprise to see James listed in the injury report, as that's been the case in mostly every game this season. That said, the probable tag suggests he shouldn't have problems taking the court against one of the contending teams in the Western Conference. James has been on fire of late and is averaging 34.3 points, 7.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game over his last 10 appearances.
Jan 8, 2023
Scorches Kings with 37 points
James ended with 37 points (14-28 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 8-9 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 38 minutes during Saturday's 136-134 victory over Sacramento.
ANALYSIS
The Kings are a playoff-worthy team, but James showed the intrastate rival who the real King is with a tour-de-force performance. The Lakers have won five straight behind a string of brilliant evenings from James, and his light is allowed to shine brighter thanks to excellent work from his supporting cast over the past couple of weeks.
Jan 7, 2023
Available Saturday
James (ankle) is available for Saturday's matchup against the Kings, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James returned Friday from a one-game absence due to an illness and posted 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in 33 minutes in the win over the Hawks. Over his past 13 appearances, he's averaging 32.8 points, 7.2 assists and 7.1 rebounds in 36.7 minutes.
Jan 7, 2023
Questionable Saturday
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Kings, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James returned Friday from a one-game absence due to an illness and posted 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in 33 minutes in the win over the Hawks, but he's now questionable to play due to his persistent ankle soreness. If he sits out, Russell Westbrook will take over the offense.
Jan 7, 2023
Posts double-double in win Friday
James closed with 25 points (10-19 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), seven rebounds and 10 assists over 33 minutes during Friday's 130-114 victory over the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
James returned from a one-game absence to lead Los Angeles to its fourth straight win, notching his third consecutive double-double and leading the team with 25 points. The future Hall of Famer showed no lasting effects from the illness that caused him to sit out the Lakers' win over Miami on Wednesday, as he shot an efficient 10-for-19 from the field and was second on the team with 33 minutes. James also paced Los Angeles with 10 assists, his highest mark since he dished 11 dimes against Sacramento on Dec. 21. The 38-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down in his 20th NBA campaign, as he's averaging 28.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 three-pointers on the season while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 74.9 percent from the charity stripe.
Jan 6, 2023
Good to go Friday
James (ankle) will play Friday against Atlanta, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will be available Friday after initially being listed as probable with left ankle soreness and missing Wednesday's contest due to a non-COVID illness. Over his past seven appearances, the 38-year-old has averaged 35.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 35.3 minutes.
Jan 5, 2023
Tabbed probable
James is likely to play in Friday's game against the Hawks as he continues to deal with left ankle soreness, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James sat out Wednesday's tilt with a non-COVID illness but appears on the injury report Friday with ankle soreness. If he does suit up against Atlanta, Juan Toscano-Anderson would likely slide back to the bench.
Jan 4, 2023
Won't play versus Miami
James (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game versus the Heat, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been downgraded from questionable to out due to a nagging ankle injury. The superstar forward has been playing at an incredibly high level lately through his left ankle soreness but will sit Wednesday. James' next opportunity to suit up is Friday's matchup with the Hawks.
Jan 3, 2023
Questionable Wednesday
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's contest against Miami, NBA writer Marc Stein reports.
ANALYSIS
James has once again landed on the injury report with a sore left ankle. The veteran posted 43 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal in 40 minutes during Monday's victory over the Hornets after being deemed probable pregame. If the superstar is unable to play Wednesday, Damian Jones and Wenyen Gabriel are candidates to see extended minutes.
Jan 3, 2023
Puts Lakers on shoulders again
James supplied 43 points (16-26 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 11-15 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal across 40 minutes during Monday's 121-115 victory over the Hornets.
ANALYSIS
James missed all five of his shots from three-point range, but that was a minor flaw in an otherwise masterful performance. The ageless future Hall of Famer finished with his second straight effort of 40-plus points -- the first two times he has hit that mark this season. James also grabbed 11 boards for his second straight double-double, and he has hit at least half of his field-goal attempts in each of his past 11 contests. The efficient shooting stretch has boosted his season field-goal percentage from 46.3 percent to 51.0 percent.
Jan 2, 2023
Available Monday
James (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Hornets, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was probable ahead of Monday's matchup, and he'll officially be able to play through his ankle injury. Over his last six appearances, he's averaged 34.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds in 34.5 minutes per game.
Jan 1, 2023
Listed probable Monday
James is considered probable for Monday's game against the Hornets, Brett Siegel of Sports Illustrated reports.
ANALYSIS
James had questionable designations leading up to previous games before playing, so the probable tag is actually an improvement. He should assume his regular duties as the keystone of the offense coming off a season-high 47 points against the Hawks in a near triple-double.
Dec 31, 2022
Age-defying performance Friday
James ended with 47 points (18-27 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 10 rebounds, nine assists and one block in 40 minutes during Friday's 130-121 win over the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
James was spectacular in Friday's win, continuing to push the limits with a vintage performance on his 38th birthday. It's basically a one-man show in Los Angeles, with James shouldering a hefty amount, especially on the offensive end of the court. Despite frequenting the injury report, he tends to suit up whenever possible, much to the delight of his fantasy managers. The Lakers don't seem ready to throw the towel in, so James should be locked in as their number one option, at least until Anthony Davis returns from his injury.
Dec 30, 2022
Good to go Friday
James (ankle) is available to play in Friday's game versus the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from questionable to available despite a lingering ankle injury. The superstar forward is averaging 31.6 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 33.4 minutes over his last five games. James will likely have to continue to carry the offensive load with Anthony Davis (foot) out.
Dec 29, 2022
Questionable against Atlanta
James is questionable for Friday's game versus the Hawks due to left ankle soreness, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has played in the Lakers' last five games despite battling a nagging ankle injury. If the superstar forward is unable to suit up Friday, Max Christie, Damian Jones and Wenyen Gabriel are all candidates to see extended minutes.
Dec 29, 2022
Strong effort not enough
James chipped in 27 points (10-18 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-5 FT), nine rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes during Wednesday's 112-98 loss to the Heat.
ANALYSIS
James led the Lakers in points and rebounds in this game, and he also led all starters in assists, but as it has been the trend all season long, he can't win games on his own, and the supporting cast doesn't do enough to accompany him. James remains an absolute stud in all fantasy formats and is having another excellent year while getting closer to turning 38 years old, and it was unprecedented to see someone deliver these numbers at this age in The Association, so even though the Lakers continue to pile up losses, James' value in fantasy should remain pretty high. He's averaging 30.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game in December.
Dec 28, 2022
Will play Wednesday
James (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game against the Heat, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite lingering ankle soreness, James will play in a fifth consecutive game. Over the past four, he's averaged 32.8 points, 7.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 33.3 minutes.
Dec 28, 2022
Questionable Wednesday
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Heat, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has appeared in the last four matchups despite his ankle injury and has averaged 32.8 points, 7.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game during that time. However, it's unclear whether he'll be able to suit up in the second half of a back-to-back set Wednesday. If he's held out, Wenyen Gabriel will likely see increased playing time.
Dec 27, 2022
All-around showing in win
James (ankle) registered 28 points (12-24 FG, 0-7 3Pt, 4-5 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal across 31 minutes during Tuesday's 129-110 victory over the Magic.
ANALYSIS
James struggled from three in Tuesday's win, but still let the Lakers in scoring while nearly posting his eighth straight 30-point game. James has tallied at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in 14 appearances this year.
Dec 27, 2022
Status uncertain Wednesday
James (ankle) said after Tuesday's win versus the the Magic that he'll "know tomorrow" if he's available to play in Wednesday's game against the Heat, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury but has suited up in the last three contests. However, the 37-year-old forward may sit out the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back, as he did on Dec. 19. Fantasy managers should check before the matchup with the Heat for an update on his status.
Dec 27, 2022
Will suit up against Orlando
James (ankle) is available for Tuesday's game versus the Magic. Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available with a nagging ankle injury. However, the superstar forward is still performing at an elite level, scoring at least 30 points in his last seven appearances.
Dec 26, 2022
Probable Tuesday
James (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Magic, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has played through his sore left ankle over the last three matchups, and he'll likely be able to suit up once again Tuesday. Over his last three appearances, he's averaged 34.3 points, 8.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 34.0 minutes per game.
Dec 25, 2022
Impressing performance not enough
James notched 38 points (13-23 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 12-12 FT), six rebounds and five assists across 34 minutes in Sunday's 124-115 loss to the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers started strong and finished on a weak note, but James was consistent as an offensive threat and posted an impressive all-around game. He's been on an absolute tear of late and has scored at least 30 points in seven games in a row, further enhancing his role as one of the league's premier offensive players despite him being close to turning 38 years old.
Dec 25, 2022
Available Sunday
James (ankle) is available for Sunday's Christmas Day matchup against the Mavericks, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with ankle soreness recently, but he'll be able to play through the issue once again after being listed as probable. He's scored 30-plus points in each of his last six appearances and has averaged 32.7 points, 7.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds in 36.8 minutes per game during that time.
Dec 24, 2022
Probable for Christmas Day
James (ankle) is probable for Sunday's Christmas Day matchup against the Mavericks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with lingering ankle soreness but isn't at real risk of missing Sunday's game. This month, he's averaging 29.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 37.2 minutes while shooting 52.8 percent from the field.
Dec 24, 2022
Leads massive fourth-quarter rally
James totaled 34 points (15-23 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 0-2 FT), two rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 34 minutes during Friday's 134-130 loss to the Hornets.
ANALYSIS
As he's done several times before, James single-handedly brought his team back into contention in the final stanza, scoring 18 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the impressive rally, he was called with goaltending call that tied the game with seconds left. P.J. Washington then hit two free throws to put the game out of reach. Fantasy managers can count on continued success from James, who will keep the offense rolling during Anthony Davis' absence.
Dec 23, 2022
Good to go
James (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Hornets.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as James was given a probable designation heading into the game. Look for him to take on his usual heavy workload assuming he avoids any setbacks.
Dec 22, 2022
Likely to play Friday
James is probable for Friday's game against Charlotte due to left ankle soreness, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has dealt with lingering ankle pain that has held him from playing both legs of the Lakers' previous two back-to-back sets. Considering Friday's match is not a back-to-back James should be expected to play and receive his typical workload. James has averaged 32.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 10.0 assists in his last two contests with Anthony Davis (foot) sidelined.
Dec 22, 2022
Drop 31 points in loss
James ended Wednesday's 134-120 loss to Sacramento with 31 points (11-21 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 9-10 FT), six rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks over 34 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James led the short-handed effort, which was beyond repair after the Kings pulled away with 41 points in the second quarter. James' numbers will be quite fantasy -worthy over the next month while Anthony Davis (foot) is out.
Dec 21, 2022
Upgraded to available
James (ankle) is in the staring lineup for Wednesday's game against Sacramento, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available Wednesday. The superstar forward will replace Troy Brown in the starting lineup against the Kings.
Dec 20, 2022
Likely to play Wednesday
James (ankle) is probable for Wednesday against Sacramento, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After missing Monday's loss to the Suns with a left ankle injury, James appears ready to return to action barring any major setbacks before Wednesday's tipoff. The forward has averaged 30.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists across his last five matchups.
Dec 19, 2022
Out Monday
James will be sidelined for Monday's game in Phoenix due to left ankle soreness, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set likely as a precautionary measure considering he has played at least 35 minutes in each of his last five contests. With Anthony Davis (foot) and Austin Reaves (ankle) also absent, Wenyen Gabriel and Toy Brown will be thrust into larger roles Monday. James' next chance to play will come Wednesday against the Kings.
Dec 19, 2022
Dazzles against Wizards
James supplied 33 points (13-24 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-8 FT), seven rebounds, nine assists and one block over 37 minutes during Sunday's 119-117 victory over the Wizards.
ANALYSIS
James had to carry the Lakers in the absence of Anthony Davis (foot), and the veteran superstar delivered once again -- he posted at least 30 points for the fourth game in a row and ended up just three boards and one assist shy of a triple-double. What James is doing at age 37 is impressive, and he remains an elite fantasy asset across all formats due to his all-around skill set that allows him to be the engine that keeps the Lakers running. He's averaging 29.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game in December.
Dec 18, 2022
Good to go, as expected
James (ankle) will play Sunday against Washington, Kyle Goon of Southern California News Group reports.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here. James continues to be listed on the injury report ahead of each game, but more often than note there's been no indication that he's in jeopardy of actually missing any time. The four-time MVP will be tasked with carrying an even heavier offensive burden over the next several weeks with Anthony Davis (foot) sidelined.
Dec 18, 2022
Gets probable tag
The Lakers list James (ankle) as probable for Sunday's game against the Wizards.
ANALYSIS
Despite being a fixture on injury reports of late, James has suited up in all but one of the Lakers' last 12 games, with his lone absence coming on the back end of a back-to-back set. Sunday marks the front end of a back-to-back set, but James' probable designation for the game against the Wizards implies that he's more likely to sit Monday in Phoenix, if at all. James enters Sunday's contest with three consecutive 30-plus-point performances under his belt, and he should have a good chance at extending the streak while the Lakers proceed without co-star Anthony Davis (foot), who is expected to miss at least one month due to his injury.
Dec 17, 2022
Dominates with 30 points
James racked up 30 points (13-20 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and two steals across 36 minutes during Friday's 126-108 victory over the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James slid over to center after Anthony Davis' (foot) injury in the second half, helping the Lakers hold their margin and beat the Nuggets. James is still battling an ankle injury but is expected to play through the pain, especially if Davis is slow to return.
Dec 16, 2022
Will play Friday
James will play Friday against the Nuggets, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially listed as probable with an ankle injury, but as usual, the superstar forward will be available and presumably draw yet another start. Since returning from a five-game absence, James has appeared in 10 of the Lakers' past 11 contests, posting 28.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.4 steals during that stretch.
Dec 15, 2022
Likely to play Friday
James (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been on the Lakers' initial injury report for most of the season with the probable tag, and he should be expected to play and take on his typical workload Friday. He has recorded at least 30 points, five rebounds and five assists in each of his last two contests and should remain a top fantasy option.
Dec 14, 2022
Flirts with triple-double in loss
James registered 33 points (14-25 FG, 3-11 3Pt, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, nine assists, one block and two steals in 43 minutes during Tuesday's 122-118 overtime loss to Boston.
ANALYSIS
James helped spark a rally in the second half, but the Lakers couldn't get the job done in overtime. Nailing down a triple-double has proved elusive for James, as he's yet to achieve that milestone this season, although he has come dangerously close several times.
Dec 13, 2022
Active Tuesday
James (ankle) will play in Tuesday's game against Boston, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will be available for the Lakers on Wednesday and presumably resume his normal starting role. The veteran forward has averaged 26.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists across 19 previous starts.
Dec 12, 2022
Probable Tuesday
James is probable for Tuesday's contest against the Celtics with low ankle soreness, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
ANALYSIS
As has been the case for much of the season, James has popped up as probable for the Lakers' upcoming contest Tuesday. Throughout his first 19 appearances this season, James is averaging 26.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.2 steals across 35.9 minutes per game.
Dec 11, 2022
Posts 35-point outing to lead team
James notched 35 points (14-24 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), five rebounds, five assists and one steal over 37 minutes during Sunday's 124-117 victory over Detroit.
ANALYSIS
James led Los Angeles in scoring, shots made and minutes played in Sunday's victory, posting his highest scoring total since Nov. 30 when he tallied 31 points. James has scored at least 30 points with five rebounds and five assists on four occasions this season.
Dec 11, 2022
Will play
James (ankle) is available and will start Sunday's matchup against Detroit, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James will suit up for a second straight game after sitting out the second half of the Lakers' back-to-back set last week. Last time out, the veteran posted 23 points (9-22 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 4-8 FT), six assists, four rebounds and two steals in 44 minutes.
Dec 10, 2022
Likely playing Sunday
James is listed as probable for Sunday's game versus the Pistons due to left ankle soreness, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James earned received a probable designation ahead of Friday's game as well before suiting up for the tilt. Barring a setback, LeBron should resume his usual duties Sunday, looking for a better effort from beyond the arc than the 1-for-8 showing Friday versus the 76ers.
Dec 9, 2022
Available Friday
James (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the 76ers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, but he'll be back in action Friday after being listed as probable for the matchup. He's posted double-doubles in three of his last six appearances and has averaged 28.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 35.0 minutes per game during that time.
Dec 8, 2022
Probable Friday
James (ankle) is probable for Friday's game against the 76ers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Both James and Anthony Davis (illness) should be back Friday following their one-game absences Wednesday against the Raptors. Over James' past seven games, he's averaged 27.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.3 steals in 34.7 minutes.
Dec 7, 2022
Ruled out Wednesday
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as probable due to his ankle soreness recently, but he'll be held out for the second half of a back-to-back set Wednesday. With Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) also sidelined, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Troy Brown should see increased run in the frontcourt against Toronto.
Dec 7, 2022
Big double-double in loss to Cavs
James had 21 points (8-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 17 rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 36 minutes during Tuesday's 116-102 loss to Cleveland.
ANALYSIS
The 17 boards were a season high for LeBron, who stepped up on the glass after Anthony Davis (illness) left the game early. The double-double was James' seventh in 17 contests, and since returning from a leg injury in late November he's averaging 27.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 3.4 threes and 1.3 steals a night.
Dec 6, 2022
Good to go Tuesday
James (ankle) is available Tuesday against the Cavaliers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as James was listed as probable before the game. Over the past six games, he's averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 34.5 minutes.
Dec 5, 2022
Probable Tuesday
James (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's contest against the Cavaliers, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with ankle soreness, but the 37-year-old has appeared in six straight games and should be all clear to take the floor against his hometown team Tuesday. In his first six games since returning from his initial adductor injury, James is averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.3 steals across 34.5 minutes per game.
Dec 4, 2022
Cleared to play Sunday
James (ankle) will be available for Sunday's game at Washington, Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers will likely continue to list James as questionable on a game-to-game basis going forward, as has been the case for most of the last two-plus years. While the veteran has missed six contests already this season, Sunday will mark his sixth consecutive start since returning from an adductor issue. Over his last four games, including Friday's win over Milwaukee, James is posting 29.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 52.8 percent from deep.
Dec 3, 2022
Iffy for Sunday
James is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Wizards due to left ankle soreness, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the Lakers' injury report this season, having dealt with a plethora of issues throughout the early portions of the season. If he were to miss, Wenyen Gabriel and Juan Toscano-Anderson would be the primary beneficiaries.
Dec 2, 2022
Available Friday
James (adductor) is available for Friday's game against the Bucks, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will appear in a fifth straight game. Since returning from injury, he's averaged 28.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 34.0 minutes.
Dec 1, 2022
Probable Friday
James (leg) is probable for Friday's game against the Bucks, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a left adductor strain, but he doesn't appear to be in significant danger of missing Friday's matchup. Over his last four appearances, he's averaged 28.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 34.0 minutes per game.
Dec 1, 2022
Lights up Blazers for 31 points
James registered 31 points (12-18 FG, 6-8 3Pt, 1-3 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists and one block across 32 minutes during Wednesday's 128-109 win over Portland.
ANALYSIS
James has been less efficient as a shooter this season than fantasy managers have gotten used to throughout his career, but the superstar forward caught fire Wednesday and knocked down six of eight three-point attempts. That was actually better than his work inside the arc, where he knocked down a still-fine six of 10 shots. James led the Lakers with 31 points and eight assists while adding seven boards in the blowout victory.
Nov 30, 2022
Active Wednesday
James (leg) is active for Wednesday's game against Portland, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will play and presumably start for a fourth straight matchup despite nursing a sore left leg. Across his previous three stars, the superstar averaged 27.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per matchup.
Nov 29, 2022
Likely to play Wednesday
James (leg) is probable for Wednesday's game against Portland, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James has landed on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game with a lingering left adductor strain. The forward was deemed probable entering into Monday's loss to Indiana as well, but he finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal across 36 minutes.
Nov 29, 2022
Quiet performance in loss
James produced 21 points (8-22 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and one steal across 36 minutes during Monday's 116-115 loss to the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James turned the ball over only once and hit a clutch bucket late in the fourth quarter that almost stood as the game-winner, but this was still a subpar performance by his standards. The future Hall of Famer struggled with an 8-for-22 mark from the field and tallied only three assists, tying his season-low mark for the second straight game. While James continues to put up strong counting stats (25.4 points, 8.8 boards and 6.2 dimes per contest), his efficiency has taken a dip this season -- he's shooting just 45.5 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from three-point range, with the first mark on pace for a career low and the latter his worst since his rookie campaign.
Nov 28, 2022
Good to go
James (leg) has been cleared to play in Monday's game against the Pacers, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed on the injury report as probable due to a leg injury, so his availability is no surprise. He's averaging 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals over his last five contests.
Nov 27, 2022
Probable for Monday
James (leg) is questionable for Monday's game against the Pacers, NBA writer Marc Stein reports.
ANALYSIS
At this stage of his career, it's not surprising to see James appearing in almost every injury report for the Lakers, especially as the season progresses. That said, the star forward, who dropped 39 points against the Spurs on Saturday, shouldn't have problems handling his regular workload Monday.
Nov 27, 2022
Pours in game-high 39 points
James produced 39 points (11-21 FG, 7-12 3Pt, 10-10 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal across 35 minutes during Saturday's 143-138 win over San Antonio.
ANALYSIS
James had his shot working in this one as he scored a season-high 39 points while scoring 21 of his 39 points from beyond the arc. He also knocked down all 10 of his free throws, marking the most he's gotten to the line in a game this year. James has notched three double-doubles in November and is averaging 25.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.0 steal over that stretch.
Nov 26, 2022
Set to play Saturday
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said James (groin) will play in Saturday's game against the Spurs, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been upgraded from probable to available with Anthony Davis (calf) out. James is averaging 24.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals in 35.5 minutes across 11 games this season.
Nov 26, 2022
Probable on B2B
James (adductor) is probable for Saturday's game at San Antonio, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After a five-game absence, James returned Friday and posted 21 points, eight boards, five assists, three steals and one block in 33 minutes. He had nine turnovers, however. Despite the long layoff, James is expected to play in the second half of the back-to-back set. Anthony Davis (calf) is questionable.
Nov 26, 2022
Nine turnovers in return
James finished Friday's 105-94 win over San Antonio with 21 points (8-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, one block and three steals across 33 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James returned after missing the last five games (adductor) and as expected, he contributed all across the board to help seal the win. Though he ended the game strong, he did commit a total of nine turnovers, his highest all season. In his 11 appearances, the future hall-of-famer is averaging 3.9 turnovers. Besides that, fantasy managers are glad to see him back on the court where he is also averaging 24.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
Nov 25, 2022
Making return Friday
James (adductor) will play Friday against the Spurs, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James is returning following a five-game absence due to a left adductor strain. He'll presumably take his place back in the starting five but could see his minutes monitored. His return will likely mean less usage for Anthony Davis, and it could mean minutes reductions for Austin Reaves, Wenyen Gabriel and others.
Nov 24, 2022
Officially questionable Friday
James (groin) is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
James indicated Tuesday that he intends to return to action Friday, so he may be more on the probable side of the questionable spectrum. The team should clarify his status at some point on game day.
Nov 22, 2022
Set to return Friday
James (groin) plans to return for Friday's game versus the Spurs, Chris Haynes of TNT reports.
ANALYSIS
James is reportedly set to return Friday after missing five straight games due to a groin injury. Austin Reaves has been starting in the superstar forward's absence. James was averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 35.7 minutes across 10 games before going down to injury.
Nov 22, 2022
Out Tuesday
James (adductor) is out Tuesday at Phoenix, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
James appears to be on the verge of a return considering his recent string of questionable statuses, but he'll ultimately miss a fifth straight game Tuesday. His next chance to play is Friday against the Spurs.
Nov 21, 2022
Questionable Tuesday
James (thigh) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Suns, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed the last four games due to a left adductor strain and continues to be monitored closely by the team's medical staff. If he remains out against Phoenix, Troy Brown, Wenyen Gabriel and Austin Reaves should continue to see increased run.
Nov 20, 2022
Remains out Sunday
James (thigh) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Spurs, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a left adductor strain and will be unavailable for a fourth consecutive game. His next chance to return will be Tuesday against the Suns.
Nov 19, 2022
Questionable Sunday
James (adductor) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Spurs, NBA writer Marc Stein reports.
ANALYSIS
James appears to be nearing a return after missing three straight games. If he returns Sunday, he may be on a minutes limit. On the season, he's averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 35.7 minutes.
Nov 18, 2022
Out Friday
James (thigh) will not play in Friday's game against the Pistons, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
James was considered a game-time decision and the team will ultimately err on the side of caution. The absence will makr his third straight game missed. His next opportunity to return to the lineup will come Sunday against the Spurs.
Nov 17, 2022
Questionable Friday
James (thigh) is questionable for Friday's game against the Pistons, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James may return following a two-game absence, though he only participated in non-contact drills Thursday. With Dennis Schroder (thumb) and Thomas Bryant (thumb) also cleared to return and expected to see time, the Lakers' rotation could get a bit of a shake-up.
Nov 16, 2022
Practices without contact
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said that James (thigh) practiced Wednesday during the non-contact portions, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Registerreports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed the Lakers' last two games due to an adductor injury he sustained in last Wednesday's game versus the Clippers. While James' status is up in the air for Friday's game versus the Pistons, it is a good sign that he will likely retake the court soon.
Nov 13, 2022
Officially out Sunday
James (thigh) has officially been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Nets, Brad Turner of the LA Times reports.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as the messaging all week from the Lakers and James' camp has been that he'd almost certainly miss this game due to the adductor injury he sustained against the Clippers on Wednesday. Following Sunday's contest, Los Angeles is off until Friday (vs. DET), so James will have well over a full week of rest before potentially making his return next weekend. For now, though, consider James day-to-day until the Lakers say otherwise.
Nov 12, 2022
Doubtful Sunday
James (adductor) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Nets, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to sit out Sunday's game due to a left adductor strain. Wenyen Gabriel will likely get the start again with James out. The superstar forward's next opportunity to play will be Friday's game versus the Pistons, giving him plenty of time to rest.
Nov 11, 2022
Out Friday, likely to sit Sunday
James (adductor) has already been ruled out of Friday's game against the Kings, and he's also expected to miss Sunday's contest against the Nets, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James tweaked his left adductor during the Lakers' most recent loss -- Wednesday against the Clippers -- and was forced out of the game midway through the fourth quarter. While the four-time MVP said the issue is not as severe as the groin injury he sustained during the 2018-19 campaign, it looks as though he'll miss at least a pair of games to finish out the week. Assuming James sits Sunday, he'll be able to take advantage of a gap in the Lakers' schedule, as their next game doesn't arrive until the following Friday (Nov. 18) against the Pistons. With that in mind, James would have a full eight days to rest the groin before a potential return versus Detroit.
Nov 10, 2022
Downgraded to out Friday
James (adductor) won't play in Friday's contest against the Kings, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James seems to have avoided a serious adductor injury, but he will be forced to miss Friday's game against Sacramento as he continues to heal up. Expect Wenyen Gabriel to see an uptick in minutes and potentially even earn a starting spot in the lineup for as long as James is out.
Nov 10, 2022
Doubtful Friday, day-to-day
James is considered doubtful for Friday's game due to a left adductor strain but is considered day-to-day, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
While James appears poised to miss at least one game because of the injury, he seems to have avoided serious damage and could be back in relatively short order. The day off will also allow him to rest a foot injury he's been playing through recently. Barring a significant turnaround in the next 24 hours, LeBron would shift his focus to Sunday against the Nets as his next possible return date.
Nov 10, 2022
Leaves game with groin issue
James left Wednesday's loss to the Clippers with 5:41 remaining in the fourth quarter due to a groin injury, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James headed to the back of Staples Center after exiting the court and didn't return to the game despite the Lakers briefly remaining within striking distance. After the contest, he called the issue a "spasm" or "strain" in his groin but indicated that it didn't seem as bad as the groin injury he suffered in 2018 that caused him to miss a significant portion of the campaign, per Michael J. Duarte of NBC LA. James closed Wednesday's loss with 30 points (12-22 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds, five assists and two steals over 32 minutes, but clearly the injury concern is more pressing news to fantasy managers. James indicated that he'll go in for imaging Thursday, per Duarte.
Nov 9, 2022
Says he'll play Wednesday
James (foot) said that he'll play during Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a foot injury, and he said Wednesday that rest is the only thing that can help alleviate the issue. However, he also said that he doesn't have the luxury to take time off at this point, so he'll be able to play through the injury Wednesday after sitting out Monday against the Jazz.
Nov 8, 2022
Likely to play Wednesday
James (foot) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has appeared on the Lakers' injury report just about every time this season so far. Despite sitting out Monday's loss to the Jazz with a lingering foot injury however, the forward appears ready to resume his normal duties versus the Clippers on Wednesday.
Nov 7, 2022
Sitting Monday
James will not play in Monday's tilt with the Jazz due to left foot soreness, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the Lakers' injury report this season due to a lingering foot issue but has played in all nine games thus far. However, the injury will keep him out of Monday's contest. Troy Brown and Juan Toscano-Anderson will likely see increased minutes, while Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook will be tasked with a larger workload.
Nov 6, 2022
Big third quarter in loss
James had 27 points (13-23 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 0-3 FT), seven rebounds and four assists across 34 minutes during Sunday's 114-100 loss to the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
James scored 10 of the team's 16 points in the third quarter -- making five of his eight shot attempts -- but got little help from his teammates as the Lakers blew a six-point halftime lead. Sunday marked just the second time in nine games this season that James made at least half his shots. He's made 44.7 percent of his shots so far, his lowest mark since his rookie season.
Nov 6, 2022
Will play Sunday
James (foot) will play Sunday against the Cavaliers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As has been the trend all season long, James appears in the injury report but gets cleared to play close to tip-off. The veteran forward is having an excellent start to the season and is averaging 24.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.
Nov 5, 2022
Probable again
James (foot) is probable for Sunday's game against the Cavaliers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been probable for every game this season. Over the past three games, he's averaged 21.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in 36.3 minutes.
Nov 5, 2022
Nears triple-double in defeat
James finished with 17 points (7-19 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and one block in 34 minutes during Friday's 130-116 loss to the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James led the Lakers in both rebounds and assists while producing a typically well-rounded stat line. However, he failed to hit a three-pointer for the second straight game, and he's gone 0-for-12 from deep over that stretch. Late in the contest, James appeared to aggravate the foot injury that has been bothering him, though he was able to finish off the game without further incident. Still, there has to be some question about how James is feeling physically -- his counting stats have been fine this season, but he's shooting an uncharacteristically poor 43.1 percent from the field, including a miserable 20.7 percent from three-point range.
Nov 4, 2022
Good to go
James (foot) will play in Friday's game against the Jazz, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed the team's shootaround for rest purproses while nursing a sore foot. The expectation was that he would play, so no surprise here. Look for him to take on his usual workload assuming he avoids any setbacks.
Nov 4, 2022
Excused from shootaround for rest
James (foot) and Anthony Davis (back) were excused from Friday's shootaround to keep off their feet, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports. James remains probable for the game against the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
Even though the intent of resting James is to help him be available and play better Friday, it's still a bad sign that both he and Davis are already beat up to this extent so early in the year. James' counting stats are fine -- 25.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game -- but he's slashing a poor 44/23/75.
Nov 3, 2022
Probable for Friday
James (foot) is probable for Friday's contest against Utah, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been assigned a probable injury designation going into every game this season. The designation likely won't mean much as the 37-year-old has managed to play in every game this year. James is coming off a 20-point 10-rebound, double-double in a victory over the Pelicans on Wednesday.
Nov 3, 2022
Approaches triple-double in OT win
James ended with 20 points (9-23 FG, 0-7 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks over 40 minutes during Wednesday's 120-117 overtime victory over New Orleans.
ANALYSIS
James had a difficult time from deep in the contest, missing all seven of his three-point attempts. However, he did his usual steady work across a variety of areas, finishing just two dimes shy of a triple-double and also swatting two shots. James' 43.9 percent mark from the field is well below his career norm, but he's nonetheless continued to be a big-time fantasy contributor with 25.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.7 triples, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks across seven games.
Nov 2, 2022
Active Wednesday
James (foot) is active for Wednesday's game against New Orleans, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As usual, James will presumably resume his normal workload despite appearing on the pregame injury report once again. The 37-year-old has averaged 25.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists across the first six games this season.
Nov 1, 2022
Probable yet again
James (foot) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as probable for every game this season. He's played every game, posting averages of 25.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 36.2 minutes.
Oct 31, 2022
Notches another 20-point outing in win
James totaled 26 points (10-22 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 35 minutes during Sunday's 121-110 win over the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James posted his fifth game of 20 or more points in the win, leading the Lakers in both shots attempted and shots made. James is averaging 24.3 points, 7.3 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals over his last three games.
Oct 30, 2022
Cleared to play Sunday
James (foot) will play Sunday night against Denver, Marc Spears of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
There's been no indication that James is actually battling a foot injury of any concern, but the Lakers will likely continue to list him on every injury report, as was the case for most of last season. James is coming off of a 28-point, seven-rebound, five-assist, four-steal effort in Friday's loss to the Timberwolves.
Oct 29, 2022
Probable Sunday
James (foot) is probable for Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
LeBron has been listed as probable for every game this season. He's averaging 25.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.6 steals in 36.4 minutes.
Oct 29, 2022
Drops 28 points in loss
James chipped in 28 points (10-24 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 7-8 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and four steals over 37 minutes during Friday's 111-102 loss to Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
James did all he could to keep pace with the Timberwolves, but it proved to be a lost cause, especially with teammate Anthony Davis (back) sidelined. James did not shoot especially well, but he was able to offset that deficiency with excellent contributions in secondary categories.
Oct 28, 2022
Officially available Friday
James (foot) is available for Friday's game against Minnesota, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James was probable on Friday's injury report and will officially play through his sore foot once again. He's averaging 25.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 36.3 minutes per game to begin the season.
Oct 27, 2022
Probable again Friday
James (foot) is probable for Friday's game at Minnesota, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been playing through a sore foot, and that shouldn't change Friday. In his first four games, he's averaged 25.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 36.3 minutes.
Oct 27, 2022
Flirts with double-double
James supplied 19 points (8-21 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, nine assists and one steal over 35 minutes during Wednesday's 110-99 loss to the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James shed his questionable tag and turned in a productive performance. Although he started out the season with two double-doubles, he missed that mark against Portland while scoring 31 points. Despite his impressive line, Wednesday marked James' weakest performance this season. The team doesn't appear to have any concern for lingering injury issues, as he's registering 35-plus minutes regularly.
Oct 26, 2022
Active Wednesday
James (foot) is active for Wednesday's game against Denver.
ANALYSIS
As anticipated, James will presumably resume his normal role despite being listed on the injury report with a foot injury. The forward is averaging 27.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists across the first three games this season.
Oct 25, 2022
Probable Wednesday
James (foot) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James was also listed as probable for much of last season and was essentially at no risk of sitting out. In his first three games, he's averaged 27.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in 36.7 minutes.
Oct 23, 2022
Scores 31 points in loss
James had 31 points (12-22 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 5-7 FT), eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and two steals in 38 minutes during Sunday's 106-104 loss to Portland.
ANALYSIS
James scored 21 of his 31 points in the second half, making eight of his 13 shot attempts. With 7.7 seconds remaining, his dunk tied the score at 104 but, after a Portland layup, James missed an 18-footer that would have sent the game into overtime. While Los Angeles has gone winless in its first three contests, James has put up great numbers -- averaging 27.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists -- but has struggled from beyond the arc, making just 25.9 percent of his attempts.
Oct 23, 2022
Starting Sunday vs. Blazers
James (foot) will start Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As was the case for all of last season, the Lakers appear to be again listing James on every injury report, despite the fact that his status doesn't appear to be in any real jeopardy. Expect James to be available for his usual workload as the Lakers seek their first victory of the season.
Oct 22, 2022
Probable Sunday
James (foot) is probable for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with foot soreness but isn't at much risk of sitting Sunday. In the first two games, he's averaged 25.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in 36.0 minutes.
Oct 21, 2022
Balanced performance despite loss
James provided 20 points (7-17 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal over 37 minutes during Thursday's 103-97 loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
James put up decent across-the-board numbers Thursday, but couldn't get his team over the line. From a fantasy perspective, it's been a nice start for the veteran, reassuring everyone that he can still match it with the best. Unfortunately, the Lakers don't look like a cohesive unit at the moment and James' motivation could fall away quite quickly should the trend continue. For now, managers simply have to hope that the team can turn things around so as to keep James on the floor as long as possible.
Oct 20, 2022
Will start Thursday
James (foot) will start in Thursday's contest against the Clippers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James opened the season strongly on Tuesday as he recorded 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes of action. The 37-year-old was dealing with a minor foot injury, but he will ultimately play Thursday against the Clippers.
Oct 19, 2022
Probable Thursday
James (foot) is listed as probable on the injury report for Thursday's game versus the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
James had a good start to the season, posting 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes during Tuesday's loss to the Warriors. At 37 years old, James has often missed regular season games due to load management, but it appears he will play Thursday.
Oct 19, 2022
Opens season with a bang
James closed with 31 points (12-25 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 14 rebounds and eight assists over 35 minutes during Tuesday's 123-109 loss to Golden State.
ANALYSIS
James was fantastic despite the loss, leading the team with 31 points and 14 boards. Unfortunately, James was one of the very few bright spots for the Lakers who were lucky to stay as close as they did. Conjecture remains when it comes to the playing roster, specifically surrounding the role of Russell Westbrook. With a host of new faces, it will take a few games for the players to figure each other out, something Lakers fans will be hoping eventuates sooner rather than later.
Oct 18, 2022
Active Tuesday
James (foot) will play and start in Tuesday's matchup against Golden State, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Although appearing on the injury report with a back issue, James will, as expected, start Tuesday's season-opening contest against the defending champions. James averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists across 56 starts with the Lakers last season.
Oct 18, 2022
Gets work in during shootaround
James (foot) participated in the team's shootaround ahead of Tuesday's regular-season opener against the Warriors, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James, Anthony Davis (back) and Russell Westbrook (hamstring) are all listed as probable and went through morning shootaround, which suggests all three will be available to start the year. It's unclear when James picked up the foot issue, but by all accounts, it's expected to be minor. Regardless, it's still concerning to see the 37-year-old already dealing with an injury after missing 20-plus games in each of the last two seasons.
Oct 17, 2022
Probable vs. Warriors
James is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against Golden State due to foot soreness, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
This appears to be a minor issue for James, who is on track to play in the Lakers' regular-season opener. Expect him to be named to the starting lineup closer to game time.
Oct 13, 2022
In regular-season form Wednesday
James finished with 25 points (9-12 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal over 25 minutes Wednesday in a preseason loss to Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
James has sat out two games on the exhibition slate, but he ramped up to 25 minutes for the Lakers' penultimate preseason contest. The veteran led Los Angeles in scoring and finished second in rebounding en route to an impressive double-double. James has had trouble staying healthy in recent campaigns, but Wednesday's performance was a great reminder of how dominant he can still be when he's on the court. Though he'll turn 39 in December, James remains a top-15 draft pick in fantasy, and he could easily outperform his ADP if he manages to stay healthy during the coming campaign.
Oct 12, 2022
Starting Wednesday
James is in the starting lineup Wednesday versus Minnesota, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
After sitting out the Lakers' last preseason matchup, James is back and ready to roll. Coach Darvin Ham stated that he'll use the first three quarters Wednesday to simulate a regular-season rotation, meaning James could be in line for a larger role than his previous preseason outings.
Oct 9, 2022
Resting Sunday
James is out for Sunday's preseason game against the Warriors for rest purposes, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James isn't dealing with an injury and will simply get a night to rest during Sunday's exhibition matchup. Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker will likely see increased run against Golden State.
Oct 6, 2022
Boinces back with 23 points
James posted 23 points (8-11 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four assists, three rebounds and a steal across 17 minutes in Wednesday's 119-115 loss to the Suns.
ANALYSIS
After failing to drain a field goal in Monday's contest, James came storming back with a superb showing in Wednesday's loss. We saw the first glimpse of what could be a small-ball approach whenever Anthony Davis (rest) takes a seat, which is known to happen frequently. In recent years, James has taken on more of a facilitator role to preserve his longevity, but with Davis off the floor, James would be a more significant force inside in these situations. James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook are all scheduled for rest Thursday against the Timberwolves.
Oct 6, 2022
Won't play Thursday
James won't play in Thursday's preseason matchup against Minnestoa, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Pressreports.
ANALYSIS
Although the reason why James will be absent from the lineup is unclear, there's speculation that the veteran is being held out due to rest purposes. Nevertheless, James will watch Thursday's preseason contest from the sidelines along with Anthony Davis (back) and Russell Westbrook (rest).
Oct 4, 2022
Ice cold in exhibition
James tallied four points (0-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), two assists and a rebound across 16 minutes in Monday's 105-75 exhibition loss to the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James will have to wait for the next game to score his first field goal of the season, as he failed to find the bottom of the basket in his preseason debut. His cold start should be of little concern, however. As usual, his fantasy prospects remain extremely strong for 2022-23.
Oct 4, 2022
Ice-cold in exhibition
James tallied four points (0-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), two assists and a rebound across 16 minutes in Monday's 105-75 exhibition loss to the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James will have to wait for the next game to score his first field goal of the season, as he failed to find the bottom of the basket in his preseason debut. The All-Star's cold start should be of little concern, however. As usual, his fantasy prospects remain extremely strong for 2022-23.
Aug 17, 2022
Inks two-year extension with Lakers
James signed a two-year, $97.1 million max contract extension with the Lakers on Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James' extension will keep him in Los Angeles through at least the 2024-25 campaign.
Apr 11, 2022
Won't need surgery
James (ankle) will not require offseason surgery on his left ankle, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
For the second straight season, James ended the year dealing with an ankle injury. This time around, he missed eight of the Lakers' final 10 games, though he noted Monday that returning to play against the Pelicans on April 1 may have worsened the sprain. The good news for James is an MRI confirmed that he will not need surgery, but the four-time MVP will need to stay off of the ankle for four-to-six weeks before resuming his regular offseason training. One of the NBA's great ironmen for most of his career, James has now missed significant time due to injury in three of his four seasons with the Lakers.
Apr 8, 2022
Season over
James (ankle) will miss the rest of the season, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
One of the most disappointing seasons in LeBron James' career has come to a close, as the Lakers failed to make the playoffs despite the presence of Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. That said, James' individual statistics were as gaudy as anything he's produced in years past. In his age 36 season, he posted 30.3 points on 52/36/76 shooting, 8.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 37.2 minutes.
Apr 7, 2022
Out again Thursday
James (ankle) will not play Thursday at Golden State, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will sit for the sixth time in the last eight games as he continues to deal with a sprained left ankle. Coincidentally, the Lakers have been eliminated from play-in contention, so there's no reason for James to push through the injury. With that said, he needs to play in two more games to qualify for the scoring title, so don't be shocked if James comes back to do some stat-padding against Oklahoma City (Friday) and/or Denver (Sunday).
Apr 6, 2022
Questionable again for Thursday
James (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James has missed the last two games due to an ankle issue, but it's still unclear if he'll play when the Lakers travel to San Francisco for Thursday's tilt with the Warriors. If he ends up sitting, Austin Reaves, Malik Monk and Talen Horton-Tucker could see increased workloads.
Apr 5, 2022
Will miss second straight game
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Suns, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss a second consecutive contest and his fifth over the past seven games due to the ankle injury. Dwight Howard entered the starting lineup in James' absence Sunday, but Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis (foot) and Malik Monk handled the majority of the playmaking duties.
Apr 4, 2022
Questionable once again
James (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Suns, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James was sidelined Sunday for the fourth time over the past six games due to the ankle injury. Anthony Davis (foot) is also listed as questionable, so the Lakers -- who are currently two games out of the last play-in spot -- may be without their two superstars for a critical matchup against the Suns.
Apr 3, 2022
Won't play Sunday
James (ankle) is unavailable for Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was considered questionable for Sunday's contest after putting up 38 points Friday, and he'll sit for the fourth time in the past six games due to the ankle injury. Anthony David (foot) is also questionable to face Denver, so the Lakers could be without their two best players.
Apr 2, 2022
Questionable Sunday
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James played through his ankle injury in Friday's loss to the Pelicans and logged 38 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal in 40 minutes. He continues to deal with the issue ahead of Sunday's matchup, and it would provide a significant blow to the Lakers if he was unavailable heading into the final week of the regular season.
Apr 2, 2022
Another big game, another loss
James registered 38 points (13-23 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 9-12 FT), eight rebounds, four assists and one steal across 40 minutes during Friday's 114-111 loss to the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
Despite having both James and Anthony Davis back in the lineup, the Lakers suffered yet another horrendous loss and moved themselves closer to missing the play-in tournament altogether. While it's been a standout statistical season for James, his numbers simply have not translated to victories for the Lakers, who have turned into the laughing stock of the league over the second half.
Apr 1, 2022
Good to go
James (ankle) will play in Friday's matchup with the Pelicans, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been battling an ankle injury that hes kept him sidelined for three of the previous four games. He will return Friday along with Anthony Davis (foot), who has been sidelined since mid-February. Barring any setbacks, look for the star point-forward to take on his usual role.
Apr 1, 2022
Questionable for Friday's contest
James (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Pelicans, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed three of the Lakers' past four games due to the ankle issue, but the Lakers are hopeful he can return to the lineup for what's suddenly an ultra-important game. Anthony Davis (foot) is also questionable, so fantasy managers will want to monitor Los Angeles' injury report closely ahead of the 10:30 PM ET tip.
Mar 31, 2022
Out Thursday, hopeful for Friday
James (ankle) will not play Thursday at Utah but is hopeful to return to the lineup for Friday's home matchup against New Orleans, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James had already been ruled out in advance of Thursday's game, but Woj relays that he'll test out his sprained left ankle during pregame Friday in hopes of getting back on the floor for what's suddenly an ultra-important game for the Lakers. Anthony Davis (foot), who hasn't played since Feb. 16, is also considered a game-time call for the Lakers on Friday.
Mar 30, 2022
Ruled out Thursday
James (ankle) is out Thursday against the Jazz, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James wasn't expected to take the court Thursday, and he'll officially be held out for a second straight game due to a left ankle sprain. Taken Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves and Avery Bradley should see additional run against Utah.
Mar 29, 2022
Unlikely to play Thursday
James (ankle) is not expected to play Thursday against the Jazz, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
James' ankle sprain continues to be a significant concern, and it seems possible he won't return until sometime next week. In his absence, Russell Westbrook should act as the No. 1 option. On a positive note, Anthony Davis (foot) is hoping to return by Friday or Sunday.
Mar 29, 2022
Out as expected
James (ankle) is out Tuesday against the Mavericks, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will sit out after spraining his left ankle during Sunday's loss to the Pelicans. With Anthony Davis (foot) still out, Russell Westbrook is the clear No. 1 option against the Mavericks on Tuesday.
Mar 28, 2022
Unlikely to play Tuesday
James (ankle) is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's loss to the Pelicans and said after the game that it felt "horrible." He was absent from practice Monday while receiving treatment, and he'll likely be forced to miss at least one game. Carmelo Anthony, Wenyen Gabriel and Stanley Johnson should see increased roles against Dallas.
Mar 27, 2022
Dealing with left ankle injury
James twisted his left ankle during Sunday's loss to the Pelicans and said postgame that it feels "horrible," Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James has a lengthy history of recovering quickly from sprained ankles so we shouldn't read too far into it, but he was clearly favoring the ankle, which was heavily wrapped, during his postgame media availability. After yet another horrendous loss by the Lakers, they sit just 1.0 game ahead of San Antonio for the 10th spot in the West, meaning James will likely attempt to push through the injury, if possible. For now, consider him questionable for Tuesday's game at Dallas.
Mar 27, 2022
Available Sunday
James (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was unable to participate in practice Friday, but he'll play through his knee soreness during Sunday's matchup. Across his last eight appearances, he's averaged 33.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in 38.8 minutes per game.
Mar 26, 2022
Questionable Sunday
James (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed Friday's practice, but he'll still have a chance to return to game action Sunday. He'll likely be a game-time decision, while Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk should see additional playing time if James is forced to miss a second straight matchup.
Mar 25, 2022
Not practicing, labeled day-to-day
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said Friday that James (knee) didn't practice Friday and is considered day-to-day, but the coach is "hopeful" his star player will be available for Sunday's matchup against the Pelicans, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Vogel added that the Lakers will practice again Saturday, but it'll be non-contact, so James' status will likely come down to a game-time decision Sunday. The star forward was sidelined for Wednesday's contest against the 76ers -- his first absence since March 7 -- due to lingering knee soreness and will have nearly a week off by the time Sunday rolls around. Regardless, if James is ruled out for a second straight game, Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk would likely be the primary beneficiaries.
Mar 23, 2022
Won't play Wednesday
James (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the 76ers, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was considered questionable for Wednesday's contest with knee soreness, per usual, and he won't be available for Wednesday's matchup with Philadelphia. The Lakers' next game isn't until Sunday at New Orleans, so the 37-year-old will have a couple extra days to rest up. Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk figure to handle bigger offensive workloads with James out.
Mar 22, 2022
Questionable for Wednesday
James (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's contest against the 76ers, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be a regular on the Lakers' injury report due to left knee soreness, but he's been able to appear in each of the past eight games. During that stretch, he's averaged 33.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in 38.8 minutes per game, including a 38-point triple-double during Monday's win over the Cavaliers on Monday.
Mar 22, 2022
Triple-double thwarts Cleveland
James finished with 38 points (17-29 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 11 rebounds, 12 assists, one block and one steal in 41 minutes during Monday's 131-120 win over the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
James continues to rampage against his former team, having now collected seven 30-point games against the Cavaliers in his career. With Monday's performance, he became the first Laker since Kobe Bryant to record three straight 35-plus point games. Even in his twilight years, James has averaged 26.9 points, 8.3 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game over four seasons in Los Angeles.
Mar 21, 2022
Good to go Monday
James (knee) will play in Monday's game at Cleveland, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will continue to push through the sore left knee that's plagued him for much of the second half of the season. While the Lakers continue to look like a mess on most nights, James' individual numbers have remained strong. He's coming off of a 38-point night in Saturday's loss to the Wizards.
Mar 20, 2022
Questionable once again
James (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against the Cavaliers, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a regular on the Lakers' injury report due to his left knee soreness, but he's been able to appear in each of the last seven games. He's averaged 32.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists across his last seven outings.
Mar 20, 2022
Makes history in Lakers loss
James registered 38 points (16-29 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds and six assists across 36 minutes during Saturday's 127-119 loss to Washington.
ANALYSIS
James reached a major career milestone in the second quarter, converting a layup off a backdoor cut to pass Karl Malone and move into second place behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA career scoring list. The future Hall of Famer finished the contest with a game-high 38 points, but that wasn't enough to prevent the Lakers from taking their 41st loss of the campaign. Team struggles aside, James has had an exceptional season at the age of 37, averaging 29.8 points, 8.2 boards, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks and a career-high 2.8 three-pointers per game.
Mar 19, 2022
Good to go Saturday
James (knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Wizards, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will appear in a seventh straight game despite knee soreness on the second night of a back-to-back. During this stretch, he's averaged 31.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.0 blocks in 38.8 minutes.
Mar 19, 2022
Questionable Saturday
James (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Wizards, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with left knee soreness, but he's been able to play through the issue in each of the last six games. He logged 36 points (15-26 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 4-7 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocks in 45 minutes during Friday's win over the Raptors, but Carmelo Anthony and Stanley Johnson should see increased run if James is sidelined for the second half of the back-to-back set.
Mar 18, 2022
Starting Friday
James (knee) is starting Friday's game against the Raptors, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James was considered a game-time decision for Friday's matchup, but he'll be able to play through his knee soreness after going through pregame warmups. Across his last five appearances, he's averaged 30.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 37.6 minutes per game.
Mar 18, 2022
Will be game-time decision
James (knee) will go through pregame warmups and is a game-time decision for Friday's matchup with Toronto, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James has only missed one game out of the Lakers' last 16 contests despite the knee soreness, so there's a pretty good chance he'll be available Friday unless something feels off during warmups. He's averaging 29.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks in 36.9 minutes per game this season.
Mar 17, 2022
Questionable Friday
James (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against the Raptors., Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com report.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as questionable, though he's missed just one of the past 16 games. During this stretch, he's averaged 30.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.0 blocks in 37.6 minutes.
Mar 16, 2022
Will play Wednesday
James (knee) will play Wednesday against the Timberwolves, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will continue to play through the sore left knee that's bothered him for the last several weeks. The Lakers are coming off of back-to-back blowout losses, but James continues to provide elite individual production. He finished Monday's loss to Toronto with 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a pair of blocks in 40 minutes of action.
Mar 15, 2022
Questionable for Wednesday's game
James is questionable for Wednesday's contest due to left knee soreness, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to land on the injury report with a lingering knee issue, but he's appeared in 13 of the Lakers' past 14 contests. During that stretch, the veteran has averaged 31.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 37.6 minutes per game.
Mar 15, 2022
Productive as usual in loss
James racked up 30 points (11-19 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-7 FT), nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 40 minutes during Monday's 114-103 loss to Toronto.
ANALYSIS
James entered the contest as a true game-time decision due to a lingering knee issue, yet he ended up playing 40 minutes in the loss. The Lakers got down big in the contest but made enough of a push in the fourth quarter to justify leaving their star player on the court, and James finished with a typically robust 30/9/3 line that included two blocks and four three-pointers. Los Angeles' struggles have them barely hanging on to a spot in the play-in tournament, which means James will likely continue to log big minutes down the stretch. That's good news for his fantasy managers, though there has to be some concern about whether his balky knee can hold up to carrying the weight of the team's offense.
Mar 14, 2022
Cleared to play
James (knee) will play Monday against Toronto, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James went through pregame warmups and evidently felt good enough to play. He's been on an absolute tear of late, putting up 35.3 points to go with 9.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.3 blocks over his last six games.
Mar 14, 2022
Will be true game-time decision
James (knee) remains a game-time decision for Monday's game against Toronto, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to warm up prior to tipoff and then make a decision on whether he feels healthy enough to take the court. Expect a final update on his status closer to game time.
Mar 14, 2022
Questionable again Monday
James (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against the Raptors, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James produced 31 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block across 30 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Suns, but it's unclear if he'll be available for the second half of the Lakers' back-to-back set on Monday. If he ultimately ends up sitting, Talen Horton-Tucker (ankle) and Stanley Johnson could see increased roles.
Mar 13, 2022
Will play Sunday
James (knee) will play in Sunday's game against the Suns, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Coming off of a 50-point game against Washington Friday, james will suit up Sunday night as the Lakers enter the first half of a back-to-back set. Coach Frank Vogel said pregame that the plan is for James to play Sunday and see how he feels Monday morning before his status is determined for the Lakers' matchup against Toronto. Los Angeles has another back-to-back set upcoming Friday (at TOR) and Saturday (at WAS), so James' status could be touch-and-go throughout Week 22.
Mar 12, 2022
Questionable Sunday
James (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Suns, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with left knee soreness. That hasn't stopped him from playing great recently, however. Over his past three appearances, he's averaged 43.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 2.0 blocks in 40.0 minutes.
Mar 12, 2022
Goes for 50 again, Lakers win
James produced 50 points (18-25 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 8-8 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and one block in 36 minutes during Friday's 122-109 victory over the Wizards.
ANALYSIS
On a night when Russell Westbrook failed to offer much production (five points, 2-11 FG), James had no choice but to take matters into his own hands, as he notched his second 50-point effort in less than a week. As was the case last Saturday against Golden State, James had an ultra-efficient night from the floor, and he once again added six three-pointers to go with a perfect 8-of-8 night at the line. Since the All-Star break, James is averaging 33.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.4 blocks and 3.0 threes per contest (38.1 MPG).
Mar 11, 2022
Gets green light
James (knee) will play in Friday's game against the Wizards, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James is coming off a triple-double across 45 minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Rockets. He continues to battle through left knee soreness, but look for him to continue seeing a heavy workload assuming he avoids any setbacks.
Mar 10, 2022
Questionable Friday
James (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against the Wizards, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James had a triple-double while seeing 45 minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Rockets despite the sore left knee he's been dealing with, so it doesn't seem to be affecting him too much. Nevertheless, it remains unclear if he'll be available when the Lakers host the Wizards on Friday. James is averaging 29.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.5 steals over 37.0 minutes per game this season.
Mar 9, 2022
Delivers inefficient triple-double
James closed Wednesday's 139-130 overtime loss to the Rockets with 23 points (9-26 FG, 1-9 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 14 rebounds, 12 assists, four blocks and one steal in 45 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James returned from a one-game absence due to left knee soreness and posted his fifth triple-double of the campaign, but he went 1-for-9 from deep for an inefficient shooting performance and also had five turnovers. The four-time NBA MVP played 40-plus minutes for the ninth time this season and won't receive much respite down the stretch with the Lakers clinging to a play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Mar 9, 2022
Available Wednesday
James (knee) is available for Wednesday's game against the Rockets, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
James was unavailable for Monday's loss to the Spurs due to a sore left knee, but he'll be back in action following a one-game absence. He had played at least 35 minutes in each of his 10 appearances after returning to the court in early February, and he averaged 30.6 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 37.6 minutes per game during that time.
Mar 8, 2022
Questionable for Wednesday's game
James (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's contest against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James sat out Monday's loss to the Spurs due to left knee soreness, which he's been playing through for most of the season. However, the toll on the 37-year-old's body after he dropped a season-high 56 points during Saturday's win over the Warriors was too much to bounce back from Monday. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said he's optimistic that the current knee issue isn't as bad as the previous one that caused James to miss five straight games, though conflicting reports have suggested that he's still dealing with a significant amount of swelling. Either way, it's likely a decision on James' status won't come until closer to Wednesday 8:00 PM ET tip.
Mar 7, 2022
Out Monday
James (knee) won't play Monday against the Spurs, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed as questionable leading up to tipoff, and the medical staff has since ruled him out for the contest. With the All-Star forward out of action, look for Stanley Johnson, Carmelo Anthony and Talen Horton-Tucker (ankle) to see more action.
Mar 6, 2022
Questionable Monday
James (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a sore left knee, but he's been able to play through the issue recently. He exploded for a season-high 56 points along with 10 rebounds, three assists and a block in 39 minutes during Saturday's win over the Warriors.
Mar 6, 2022
Foils Father Time in historic feat
James (knee) recorded 56 points (19-31 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 12-13 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and one block across 39 minutes during Saturday's 124-116 victory over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
Los Angeles came into the contest in desperate need of a win on the heels of a four-game losing streak. James took matters into his own hands, tallying his most points as a Laker while knocking down six of 11 three-point attempts and going 12-for-13 from the charity stripe. The ageless superstar also grabbed 10 boards to notch his fourth double-double in his past seven games. The league has rarely seen this type of performance from a player of James' age -- only Kobe Bryant, who scored 60 points in the final game of his storied career, has registered a higher scoring output beyond age 37. In addition, James became the oldest player in NBA history to record 50-plus points and 10-plus boards in a contest, besting Michael Jordan's 53-point, 11-rebound effort at the age of 33. Despite the Lakers' struggles this season, James has put together another virtuoso campaign, posting per-game averages of 29.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.8 three-pointers. He's logging his most minutes s
Mar 4, 2022
Questionable Saturday
James (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a sore knee, but he doesn't appear to be in any particular danger of missing time. He's averaged 27.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 37.4 minutes per game across his last nine appearances.
Mar 4, 2022
Big stat line can't stop team woes
James recorded 26 points (8-18 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 8-10 FT), eight rebounds, four assists and one block over 37 minutes during Thursday's 132-111 loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
James enjoyed his typical strong production Thursday, finishing with a team-leading 26 points and chipping in, as usual, as a rebounder and distributor. He was the only Laker to play more than 30 minutes in the lopsided loss that resulted in a Clippers season sweep. James has been logging heavy playing time and putting up big numbers as he tries to carry a struggling Lakers team on his back, but the results haven't been there from a team standpoint. The Lakers have lost four straight and seem destined to no better than a play-in seed in the West. The good news for fantasy managers who roster James is that there's little reason for his team to tank, so he'll likely continue to amass big minutes while the Lakers try to hold on to its play-in spot as the regular season winds down.
Mar 3, 2022
Available Thursday
James (knee) is available for Thursday's game against the Clippers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will once again start after dealing with nagging knee soreness. In the star's most recent contest against the Clippers, James notched 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal and a block.
Mar 2, 2022
Questionable Thursday
James (knee) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Clippers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as questionable with seemingly no risk of sitting out a game, as he's appeared in eight straight contests with the designation since the All-Star break. During this stretch, he's averaged 28.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 37.5 minutes.
Mar 2, 2022
Can't erase team's many mistakes
James totaled 26 points (10-18 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and one steal in 38 minutes during Tuesday's 109-104 loss to the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
In true fashion, James single-handedly brought his squad back into contention after a dreadful first half, but it wasn't enough in the end. James' visible frustration proves to be a continuing theme for a team that seems to have lost its way without Anthony Davis. James will be a very productive fantasy option as he tries to get the Lakers in playoff position, but it won't be pretty to watch.
Mar 1, 2022
Available Tuesday
James (knee) is available for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with knee soreness but will appear in an eighth straight contest. During this recent seven-game stretch, he's averaged 28.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 37.4 minutes.
Feb 28, 2022
Added to injury report
James is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks due to left knee soreness.
ANALYSIS
James has shouldered a heavy workload of late, averaging 37.4 minutes over his last seven contests, but he hasn't missed any time since Feb. 3. While fantasy managers once again find his name on the injury report, it would seem likely that he'll continue to play through some soreness.
Feb 28, 2022
Scores 32 in embarrassing blowout
James contributed 32 points (13-23 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT), six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals over 36 minutes during Sunday's 123-95 loss to New Orleans.
ANALYSIS
As has been the case for most of the season, James had a strong individual performance, but the Lakers came up woefully short on the scoreboard. The Pelicans broke the game open with a huge third quarter in which they outscored Los Angeles 44 to 25, sending the Lakers to a second straight loss coming out of the break. In terms of counting stats, James had a big night, though he did commit seven costly turnovers in 36 minutes.
Feb 27, 2022
Available Sunday
James (knee) is available for Sunday's game against New Orleans, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James was questionable for Sunday's matchup due to left knee soreness, but he'll be able to play through the injury for a second straight game. During Friday's loss to the Clippers, he logged 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block while also committing six turnovers in 36 minutes.
Feb 27, 2022
Listed as questionable
James (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James was labeled as questionable ahead of Friday's contest as well, but he was still able to suit up. However, the All-Star forward struggled during the loss to the Clippers, as he turned the ball over six times and shot just 6-for-18 from the field. James has been a frequent member of the injury report all season, but for the most part, he's been able to play through the pain. Barring a setback, James will likely be available once again, as the Lakers fight feverishly to lock down at least a play-in spot during the final month and a half of the season.
Feb 26, 2022
Struggles as Lakers blow lead
James produced 21 points (6-18 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal across 36 minutes during Friday's 105-102 loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
While he did record his 16th double-double of the season, this was not a banner night for James, who turned the ball over six times and shot just 6-of-18 from the field on a night when the Lakers desperately needed more from him. To be fair, the 37-year-old has shouldered an immense workload this season, and that will not change down the stretch as the Lakers attempt to lock down a play-in spot with Anthony Davis (foot) likely out for several more weeks.
Feb 25, 2022
Starting Friday
James (knee) is starting Friday's game against the Clippers, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James didn't practice Thursday, but he'll be in the starting lineup against the Clippers after participating in the team's shootaround Friday morning. He averaged 29.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 38.0 minutes per game across his five appearances prior to the All-Star break.
Feb 25, 2022
Participates in morning shootaround
James (knee) participated in the team's morning shootaround ahead of Friday's contest against the Clippers, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James didn't practice yesterday and is officially listed as questionable, but it appears he will likely be available for the Lakers' first game following the All-Star break. After missing five straight contests due to a knee injury at the end of January, the All-Star forward averaged 29.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.2 steals across the final five games before the break.
Feb 24, 2022
Questionable Friday
James (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against the Clippers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James felt good enough to set a career high in minutes played during an All-Star game (36), but he might not be healthy enough to play in a game that counts for the Lakers' season. If he happens to miss Friday's contest, more minutes could be handed to Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson.
Feb 20, 2022
Drains jumper to win All-Star Game
James finished Sunday's All-Star Game with 24 points (11-24 FG, 2-11 3Pt), eight assists, six rebounds, three steals and one block in 36 minutes.
ANALYSIS
Stephen Curry (16 made three-pointers) stole the show en route to All-Star Game MVP honors, but it was James who drilled the game-winning jumper to clinch a 163-160 victory in front of his hometown fans. James and Curry co-led the game in minutes and each played the entirety of the fourth quarter, which began with a 139-138 lead for Team LeBron. Even in Year 19, James continues to play at an extremely high level. Coming out of the break, he'll be tasked with putting an underperforming Lakers team on his back after Anthony Davis went down with a sprained foot in Wednesday's win over Utah.
Feb 17, 2022
Leads comeback in big final quarter
James accumulated 33 points (14-23 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, six assists and two steals in 40 minutes during Wednesday's 106-101 victory over Utah.
ANALYSIS
James was relatively quiet through three periods, but he came through with 15 fourth-quarter points to help the Lakers snag a big victory despite the loss of Anthony Davis (ankle). The veteran complemented the scoring total with his usual accumulation of peripheral stats, leading the Lakers with eight boards and tying for the team lead with six assists. James will now rest up around Sunday's All-Star game after averaging 29.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.8 three-pointers, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocked shots over 41 games in the first half of the campaign. With Davis potentially out for an extended period, James could have to step up even more after the break in order to keep the Lakers -- who are four games below .500 -- afloat.
Feb 16, 2022
Clear to play Wednesday
James (knee) is available and starting Wednesday against the Jazz, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was considered questionable and will take the court for the Lakers' final game before the All-Star break. The 37-year-old has averaged 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 37.5 minutes across four contests since returning from a five-game absence.
Feb 15, 2022
Questionable Wednesday
James (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Jazz, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Wednesday marks the Lakers' final game before the All-Star break. If James is sidelined, more minutes would be available for Stanley Johnson, Trevor Ariza and other forwards.
Feb 13, 2022
Makes history but falters in fourth
James racked up 26 points (9-27 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 5-9 FT), 15 rebounds and eight assists over 38 minutes during Saturday's 117-115 loss to Golden State.
ANALYSIS
James hit a historic milestone in the contest, draining a third-quarter three-pointer to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most combined regular-season and postseason points in NBA history. However, he wasn't able to cap the night with his usual level of excellence, shooting just 1-for-10 in the fourth quarter and failing to come through when given the opportunity to convert three free-throws that would have tied the score with 2.4 seconds remaining. From a fantasy perspective, his 26/15/8 line is more than adequate, but he'll likely need to play better in clutch situations for the Lakers to snap out of what has been a season-long funk.
Feb 12, 2022
Available Saturday
James (knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite knee soreness, James will appear in a fourth straight game. Over the past three, he's averaged 28.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 37.3 minutes.
Feb 11, 2022
Questionable Saturday
James (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with left knee soreness, but he's been able to play through the injury in each of the last three matchups. During that time, he's averaged 28.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 37.3 minutes per game.
Feb 10, 2022
Paces team with 30 points in loss
James closed with 30 points (13-22 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 107-105 loss to the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James played through injury and kept the Lakers in this game, but an overall lack of support from his teammates put a victory out of reach. Despite his injury struggles, James continues to play at a high level and will produce solid lines when he can suit up.
Feb 9, 2022
Good to go Wednesday
James (knee) is available for Wednesday's game at Portland, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James was considered a game-time decision and will play through left knee soreness for the third consecutive contest. Russell Westbrook (back) will miss his first game of the season, so James could operate as even more of a ball handler Wednesday.
Feb 9, 2022
Questionable at Portland
James (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Trail Blazers, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James has played in the past two games but is still dealing with left knee soreness. It hasn't hampered him on the court, however, as he's totaled 56 points, 18 rebounds, 18 assists and one steal in the past two games. Russell Westbrook (back) is also questionable.
Feb 9, 2022
Logs 27/5/8 line in loss
James registered 27 points (11-19 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-4 FT), five rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes during Tuesday's 131-116 loss to the Bucks.
ANALYSIS
No production seemed to matter for the Lakers as they had no solution for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and James was no exception to the rule. Although his lingering knee injury slowed him, Antetokounmo often left James and Anthony Davis flat-footed in a very sluggish performance overall.
Feb 7, 2022
Probable vs. Bucks
James (knee) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against Milwaukee, Harrison Faigen of SB Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
James looked plenty spry in his return from a five-game absence Saturday night against the Knicks, posting his fourth triple-double of the season in 40 minutes of action. James' knee is absolutely something fantasy managers should keep an eye on over the next few games, but the probable designation is a great sign after the heavy workload Saturday.
Feb 6, 2022
Triple-doubles in return
James logged 29 points (13-24 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal in 40 minutes during Saturday's 122-115 overtime victory over the Knicks.
ANALYSIS
James dropped his fourth triple-double of the season during his return from a five-game absence due to knee soreness. The Lakers had lost four of their last five games and were down 21 points in the second quarter before James willed the Lakers back into the game. The 18-time All-Star is the epitome of efficiency, but his fantasy potential has really been tied to his ability to stay on the court over the last couple of seasons. James has already missed 17 games during the 2021-22 campaign, but he's still averaging 29.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks while shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from deep.
Feb 5, 2022
Returning Saturday
James (knee) will play Saturday against the Knicks, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was initially doubtful but was upgraded mid-day to questionable, and now he's been cleared to return. He may have his minutes monitored, but he's presumably feeling good given the status upgrade.
Feb 5, 2022
Could return Saturday
James (knee) plans on going through pregame warmups prior to Saturday's game against the Knicks to see if he can give it a go, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James originally drew a doubtful designation for Saturday's game. He now appears to be a game-time decision, so he is certainly trending in the right direction. The 37-year-old has missed the Lakers previous five games.
Feb 4, 2022
Doubtful Saturday
James (knee) has been deemed doubtful for Saturday's matchup with the Knicks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James is trending towards his sixth straight absence due to knee soreness. Should he ultimately get ruled out again, the likes of Kent Bazemore, Stanley Johnson and Talen Horton-Tucker figure to continue seeing extended minutes.
Feb 3, 2022
Out Thursday
James (knee) has officially been ruled out for Thursday's contest with the Clippers, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss his fifth consecutive game due to knee soreness. With the 37-year-old ruled out, Kent Bazemore, Stanley Johnson and Talen Horton-Tucker should continue to see extended minutes. If James' knee soreness starts to clear up, the forward's next chance to return to the lineup will be Saturday against the Knicks.
Feb 3, 2022
Unlikely to play Thursday
James (knee) is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Clippers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed the last four games due to a left knee injury, and he'll likely remain sidelined for a fifth straight game Thursday. If he's ultimately held out, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kent Bazemore and Stanley Johnson should continue to see increased playing time.
Feb 2, 2022
Out Wednesday
James (knee) has officially been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup with the Trail Blazers, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss his fourth consecutive game due to a knee injury. Talen Horton-Tucker, Kent Bazemore and Stanley Johnson should continue to see more opportunities in his absence. Although it seems unlikely, James' next chance to return could be Thursday against the Clippers in the second of the Lakers' back-to-back games.
Feb 1, 2022
Doubtful Wednesday
James (knee) is doubtful for Wednesday's matchup against the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
Unsurprisingly, James isn't expected to play after not practicing Tuesday to undergo treatment on his left knee away from the team facility. Fantasy managers should prepare for an extended absence from the veteran, as it sounds like he's still dealing with persistent swelling.
Feb 1, 2022
Doesn't practice Tuesday
James (knee) didn't practice Tuesday and underwent treatment on his left knee away from the practice facility, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported earlier Tuesday that James is expected to miss Wednesday's game against Portland, and he may be sidelined for additional contests to follow. He's already missed three consecutive games due to irritation in his left knee and underwent an MRI on Sunday that revealed swelling, so he returned to Los Angeles to begin treatment. The Lakers play three games in the next four days and have just seven contests left before the All-Star break, but there's no clear timetable for James' return to game action. In his absence, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kent Bazemore and Stanley Johnson should see increased roles, but the Lakers will likely have to rely heavily on Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook if they want to stay in the playoff picture moving forward.
Feb 1, 2022
Likely out Wednesday
James (knee) is expected to miss Wednesday's game against Portland, and he may be sidelined even longer, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed the last three games due to irritation in his left knee and underwent an MRI on Sunday that revealed swelling, so he returned to Los Angeles to receive treatment. The Lakers play three games in four days and have just seven contests before the All-Star break, but there's no clear timetable for James' return to game action. In his absence, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kent Bazemore and Avery Bradley should see increased roles, but the Lakers' will likely have to rely heavily on Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook if they want to stay in the playoff picture moving forward.
Jan 30, 2022
MRI reveals swelling
James underwent an MRI that showed general swelling in his left knee, and he returned to Los Angeles to receive treatment Sunday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was already ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Hawks, and he'll head home for treatment after the MRI provided good news. The 37-year-old should be considered questionable for Wednesday's game versus Portland, while the Lakers offense should continue to flow through Anthony Davis in the meantime.
Jan 29, 2022
Remains out Sunday
James (knee) is out Sunday against Atlanta, Bill Oram of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a sore left knee and will be forced to miss a third consecutive game. He'll have several days to recover before the Lakers face the Trail Blazers on Feb. 2, while Talen Horton-Tucker, Kent Bazemore and Avery Bradley should continue to see increased run Sunday.
Jan 28, 2022
Out Friday
James (knee) is out for Friday's game against the Hornets, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
A sore left knee is forcing James to miss a second straight game, and it's his first set of back-to-back absences since mid-November. With Anthony Davis (wrist) also sidelined, the Lakers will have to get a little creative in the frontcourt. More minutes could be available for Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan, Trevor Ariza and others.
Jan 28, 2022
Questionable Friday
James (knee) is questionable for Friday's game at Charlotte, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James sat out his first game since Nov. 30 on Thursday due to left knee soreness, but he may be available for the second half of the back-to-back set. The Lakers could be significantly shorthanded Friday with Malik Monk (groin) out and Anthony Davis (wrist), Russell Westbrook (knee) and Avery Bradley (illness) also questionable.
Jan 27, 2022
Out Thursday
James (knee) is out Thursday against the 76ers and is considered day-to-day, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thursday marks James' first missed game since Nov. 30. He's been on a tear since then and has notably taken at least 20 shots in each of the past seven games, with averages of 29.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 36.0 minutes. Given the sort of workload and role James has endured at his age, it's not too surprising he's dealing with a sore knee, so he'll sit out the front end of the Thursday-Friday back-to-back. In his absence, more minutes could be available for Malik Monk and Talen Horton-Tucker.
Jan 27, 2022
Questionable Thursday
James is questionable for Thursday's game against the 76ers due to left knee soreness, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James recently ended his run of landing on the injury report with an abdominal strain, but he's now dealing with a knee injury ahead of Thursday's matchup. If the 37-year-old is unable to play against Philadelphia, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kent Bazemore and Avery Bradley should see additional run.
Jan 23, 2022
Not enough in loss
James racked up in 33 points (12-22 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 40 minutes during Sunday's 113-107 loss to the Heat.
ANALYSIS
Besides a poor night from beyond the arc, James continued his excellent string of performances. This marked James' first game logging 40 minutes since Christmas. His workload is concerning for a 37-year-old, but the Lakers currently sit eighth in the Western Conference and have no choice but to ride James. For better or for worse, fantasy managers will see a regular-season grind from James.
Jan 23, 2022
Available Sunday
James (abdomen) is available for Sunday's game against the Heat.
ANALYSIS
Unsurprisingly, James will be available once again after being listed as probable with an abdominal strain. He's in the starting lineup and should handle a normal workload against Miami.
Jan 22, 2022
Probable once again
James (abdomen) is probable for Sunday's game against the Heat, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James doesn't appear to be in danger of missing time due to his lingering abdominal strain. He's averaged 28.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 35.6 minutes per game across his last five appearances.
Jan 21, 2022
Available vs. Magic
James (abdomen) is available for Friday's game against the Magic.
ANALYSIS
James was probable for Friday's matchup due to a lingering abdominal issue, but he'll be able to play through the injury once again. He posted 30 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals in 37 minutes during Wednesday's loss to Indiana.
Jan 20, 2022
Probable Friday
James (abdomen) is probable for Friday's game against Orlando.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with an abdominal strain but doesn't appear to be in significant danger of missing Friday's matchup. The 37-year-old has averaged 30.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 35.6 minutes per game across his last seven appearances.
Jan 20, 2022
Shows no signs of slowing down
James produced 30 points (11-22 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 5-7 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals over 37 minutes during Wednesday's 111-104 loss to the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James continues to log big minutes for the Lakers -- Wednesday marked the sixth time in his past eight contests that he has played at least 36 minutes. The veteran has unsurprisingly provided plenty of production over that stretch, averaging 29.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.6 three-pointers, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks. Entering the season, some expected James to get more rest due to the team's numerous offseason additions, but instead he is seeing his most playing time since the 2017-18 campaign. His fantasy managers aren't complaining -- on a per-game basis, James is the second-ranked player in nine-category leagues.
Jan 19, 2022
Ready to go Wednesday
James (abdomen) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James was once again considered probable with the abdominal strain and will continue to play through the injury. He's averaged 30.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.4 blocks in 35.2 minutes across the past five games.
Jan 18, 2022
Probable again
James (abdomen) is probable for Wednesday's contest against the Pacers, Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll reports.
ANALYSIS
Unsurprisingly, James is on the injury report again and is practically at no risk of missing Wednesday's contest. This month, he's averaging 29.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals in 35.9 minutes.
Jan 18, 2022
Posts usual strong production
James notched 25 points (9-20 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 4-8 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal across 37 minutes during Monday's 101-95 win over the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James' production Monday would be exceptional for nearly any other NBA player, but it was a relatively humdrum performance in comparison to the future Hall of Famer's recent gaudy stat lines. Still, the ageless veteran led Los Angeles in both points and assists in the contest while draining a trio of three-pointers. James did struggle from the charity stripe -- he knocked down only half of his eight free-throw attempts -- but that has been less of a concern than usual this season, as his 75.5 percent mark on the campaign is his highest since 2011-12. Though the Lakers haven't lived up to the lofty expectations many held for them entering the season, James has been as good as ever in his 19th NBA campaign.
Jan 17, 2022
Ready to roll
James (abdomen) has been cleared to play Monday against the Jazz, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James was once again listed as probable on the injury report due to an abdominal strain, but the team has confirmed that he'll run the floor Monday evening. He's coming off a strong performance Saturday against Denver, collecting 25 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks in 31 minutes.
Jan 16, 2022
Probable against Jazz
James (abdomen) is probable for Monday's game against the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James continues to land on the injury report due to an abdominal strain, but he's played in every game since Nov. 30. The 37-year-old has averaged 30.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 35.7 minutes per game since the start of January.
Jan 16, 2022
Can't prevent blowout loss
James contributed 25 points (9-23 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 5-7 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 31 minutes during Saturday's 133-96 loss to Denver.
ANALYSIS
James reached the 25-point mark for the 13th straight game, but his performance was far from enough to keep the Lakers from falling in humbling fashion. The future Hall of Famer struggled with a 9-for-23 shooting night from the field, but he led the team with nine boards and committed only one turnover. James is averaging a robust 33.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.0 three-pointers, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks over his past 13 contests.
Jan 15, 2022
Cleared to play
James (abdomen) will play Saturday against the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will start but shift to power forward, as coach Frank Vogel is opting to start Dwight Howard against Nikola Jokic. This month, James has averaged 31.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks in 36.6 minutes.
Jan 14, 2022
Probable again
James (abdomen) is probable Saturday against the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is always listed on the injury report but is seemingly at no risk of missing games due to the issue. This month, he's averaged 31.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks in 36.6 minutes.
Jan 13, 2022
Another huge effort falls short
James amassed 34 points (13-29 FG, 3-12 3Pt, 5-10 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and one block in 39 minutes during Wednesday's 125-116 loss to the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James was impressive again versus Sacramento, surpassing the 30-point mark for the 11th time in his past 12 games. The future Hall of Famer added seven boards and six dimes to finish with the type of full stat line fantasy managers have long grown accustomed to. He turned the ball over only once in the game, but his 5-for-10 mark from the free-throw line slightly soured an otherwise dominant performance. James appears to be doing everything he can to defy Father Time and will the Lakers to success, but the team holds a disappointing .500 record more than halfway into the campaign.
Jan 12, 2022
Starting Wednesday
James (abdomen) is in the starting lineup Wednesday against Sacramento, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James, although nursing an abdominal injury, will start for a 19th straight matchup. With Carmelo Anthony (back) out versus the the Kings, James and Stanley Johnson will presumably manage the power-forward position Wednesday. James is currently averaging 28.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists across 29 games played.
Jan 11, 2022
Probable again
James (abdomen) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Kings, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as probable with seemingly no risk of missing a game. Over the past three games, he's averaged 32.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in 35.0 minutes.
Jan 10, 2022
Goes off but Lakers fall
James provided 35 points (14-19 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds and seven assists across 33 minutes during Sunday's 127-119 loss to the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
Once again, the four-time MVP had an incredible individual performance, but he was let down by his Lakers teammates -- especially Russell Westbrook, who finished with just six points on 2-of-12 shooting in 26 minutes. Nevertheless, James continues to enjoy one of the best statistical runs of his career, as he's now up to 34.2 points, 9. 6rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.5 blocks over his last 11 games. During that stretch, he's shooting 56.7 percent from the floor, 81.0 percent at the line and 39.5 percent from three.
Jan 9, 2022
Available to play Sunday
James (abdominal) will be available for Sunday's game against Memphis.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to list James on every injury report, but based on his play and workload of late, there's little reason to believe he's still bothered by the abdominal injury that sidelined him for a period back in November.
Jan 8, 2022
Probable again
James (abdomen) is probable for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has now been listed as probable for 18 straight games, so it's safe to say he'll be playing Sunday. From Christmas onward, he's averaged 34.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.7 blocks in 36.7 minutes.
Jan 8, 2022
Does it all against Hawks
James registered 32 points (13-24 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and four steals over 36 minutes during Friday's 134-118 win over the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
James has been playing center in recent games but that hasn't stopped him from being one of the most dominant players in the league over the past few weeks. The veteran forward has now scored at least 30 points in nine of his last 10 appearances while also posting averages of 9.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.6 blocks per contest in that 10-game span.
Jan 7, 2022
Available, starting
James (abdomen) is starting Friday's game against Atlanta, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was probable for Friday's matchup, but he'll be able to play through his abdominal issue once again. He should be able to handle a full workload against Atlanta.
Jan 6, 2022
Probable again
James (abdomen) is probable Friday against the Hawks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to show up on the injury report but is seemingly at no risk of missing Friday's game. Over the past five contests, he's averaged 33.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks in 36.2 minutes.
Jan 5, 2022
Fills up stat line in win
James posted 31 points (12-26 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, five assists and one block in 36 minutes during Tuesday's 122-114 win over the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James fended off the Kings with a nig 14-point fourth quarter. Although James has shown up with an injury tag consistently, He hasn't missed a game since the end of November. He's also yet to post less than 10 points this season, with double-digit scoring performances in every game he's played.
Jan 4, 2022
Cleared to play
James (abdomen) will play Tuesday against the Kings, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
No surprises here. From Christmas onward, he's averaged 35.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.6 blocks in 37.0 minutes.
Jan 3, 2022
Probable again Tuesday
James (abdomen) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James continues to play through the abdominal strain and is once again considered probable. The 27-year-old has averaged 34.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks in 36.6 minutes across the past eight games.
Jan 2, 2022
Officially starting
James (abomen) is officially good to go and in the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup with the Timberwolves, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James was again listed as probable ahead of Sunday's game and he will indeed play through his abdomen issue. Barring any setbacks, look for the star forward to take on his usual role.
Jan 1, 2022
Probable Sunday
James (abdomen) is probable for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed on the injury report but isn't at much risk of sitting out. He's been on a different level over the past six games, with averages of 36.8 points on 58.6 percent shooting, 10.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks in 35.9 minutes.
Jan 1, 2022
Erupts for 43 in 29 minutes
James finished Friday night's win over the Blazers with 43 points (16-26 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 6-9 FT), 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in 29 minutes.
ANALYSIS
While the Lakers' struggles have prevented James from truly entering the MVP race, he's in the midst of one of the most impressive stretches of the latter part of his career. Over the last seven games, James is up to 36.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.6 blocks and 3.4 threes while shooting 57.8 percent from the field, 42.1 percent from three and 79.2 percent at the line. During that run, he's putting up 23.0 field goal attempts per contest, including 8.1 three-pointers. Even at age 37, James is showing no signs of slowing down. The Lakers finish out the week with a matchup against the Timberwolves on Sunday night.
Dec 31, 2021
Starting Friday
James (abdomen) is starting Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James was probable ahead of Friday's matchup and will be able to play through his abdominal strain once again. He's scored at least 30 points in each of his last six appearances and has averaged 34.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 37.5 minutes per game across that span.
Dec 30, 2021
Probable Friday
James (abdomen) is probable for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with an abdominal strain, but he doesn't appear to be in significant danger of missing time. He's logged double-doubles in each of his last two appearances and has averaged 34.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 38.5 minutes per game during that time.
Dec 30, 2021
Another impressive outing
James recorded 37 points (13-25 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 13 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and two steals across 38 minutes during Wednesday's 104-99 loss to the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James continues to thrive with Anthony Davis (knee) out and Russell Westbrook having a tough year, and while James can be credited for committing a key turnover in the final moments of the game, his stats simply can't go unnoticed. The veteran forward has scored 30-plus points in six games in a row and is averaging 29.8 points per game across 13 games in December, a span in which he's shot 54.9 percent from the field and a solid 39.4 percent from three-point range.
Dec 29, 2021
Good to go Wednesday
James (abdomen) is available and starting Wednesday against the Grizzlies, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James will once again play through the abdominal strain after being considered probable. He's averaging 34.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks in 37.4 minutes over the past five games.
Dec 29, 2021
Listed as probable for Wednesday
James (abdomen) is listed as probable for Wednesday's contest against the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James continues to land on the injury report due to an abdominal strain, but he doesn't appear to be in danger of missing time. Over his last four games, the superstar forward is averaging 34.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks across 37.4 minutes per game.
Dec 29, 2021
Makes history once again
James totaled 32 points (11-19 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and one steal in 39 minutes during Tuesday's 132-123 victory over Houston.
ANALYSIS
James continues to break records left and right and Tuesday's game wasn't the exception, as he became the third player in NBA history to reach 36,000 career points. As if that wasn't enough, the veteran forward posted a triple-double for the third time this month and continues to carry the team on both ends of the court with Anthony Davis (knee) out and Russell Westbrook underperforming. Through his last 10 games, James is averaging 29.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists across 37.5 minutes per contest.
Dec 28, 2021
Available Tuesday
James (abdomen) is available Tuesday against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will play after again being listed as probable. Over the past four contests, he's averaged 35.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks in 37.0 minutes.
Dec 27, 2021
Probable Tuesday
James (abdomen) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James continues to land on the injury report due to an abdominal strain, but he doesn't appear to be in significant danger of missing time. He's scored at least 30 points in each of the last four games and has averaged 35.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 37.0 minutes per contest during that time.
Dec 26, 2021
Goes off again, Lakers lose again
James accumulated 39 points (14-25 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 8-9 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, one block and three steals over 40 minutes during Saturday's 122-115 loss to the Nets.
ANALYSIS
In what's become the theme of the season, James once again put forth an impressive individual effort, but the Lakers struggled as a team in what was another embarrassing loss. This time, Russell Westbrook (4-20 FG; minus-23 in 37 minutes) was the primary culprit, but Los Angeles shot just 41.7 percent as a team, including 28.6 percent from three. Team struggles aside, James continues to be a statistical monster, piling up 10 30-point efforts in his last 14 appearances. The soon-to-be-37-year-old is on track for his best fantasy finish since 2017-18 -- his final season with the Cavaliers.
Dec 24, 2021
Probable for Christmas Day
James (abdomen) is probable for Saturday's contest against the Nets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be on the injury report but is seemingly at no risk of missing Saturday's game. He's appeared in 10 straight games with averages of 27.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks in 36.8 minutes.
Dec 24, 2021
Big stat line in lopsided loss
James finished with 36 points (15-26 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 4-6 FT), nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal across 35 minutes during Thursday's 138-110 loss to the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
Despite the 28-point loss, James posted a robust stat line that included his third straight performance of 30-plus points. The Lakers are struggling with Anthony Davis (knee) out for the foreseeable future and a host of players in COVID-19 protocols, but the grizzled veteran keeps chugging along with almost nightly stat-stuffing efforts. Over his past 13 contests, James is averaging 29.3 points (on 52.8 percent shooting from the field), 7.8 boards, 6.8 assists, 2.6 three-pointers, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks.
Dec 23, 2021
Will play Thursday
James (abdomen) is starting Thursday's contest against the Spurs, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James, who was listed as probable, continues to play through an abdominal strain. Over his last nine games, the four-time MVP is averaging 27.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks across 37.0 minutes per game.
Dec 22, 2021
Probable again Thursday
James (abdomen) is probable for Thursday's game against San Antonio, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to play through the abdominal strain, though there's no sign the issue will force him to sit out anytime soon. The 37-year-old should continue to handle a heavier offensive workload with the Lakers managing multiple absences, including Anthony Davis (knee) and Avery Bradley (COVID-19 protocols).
Dec 22, 2021
Carries Lakers despite loss
James ended Tuesday's 108-90 loss to the Suns with 34 points (13-19 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in 34 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James has looked absolutely impressive of late and has reached the 30-point mark in four of his last six games despite being constantly listed in the injury report due to a nagging abdomen problem. Given how injury-marred his season has been so far, the fact that James has yet to miss a game this month is certainly encouraging. The star forward is averaging 27.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game across nine games in December.
Dec 21, 2021
Cleared to play
James (abdomen) will play Tuesday against the Suns, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will play through his abdominal injury. He'll continue to navigate his role on the team with Anthony Davis (knee) out for at least a month.
Dec 20, 2021
Probable Tuesday
James is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against Phoenix due to an abdominal injury, Bill Oram of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James remains a frequent flyer on the Lakers' injury report, though he once again appears on track to take the court Tuesday. Expect confirmation on his status to come closer to tip.
Dec 20, 2021
Strong game not enough Sunday
James contributed 31 points (11-21 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 14 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal across 39 minutes during Sunday's 115-110 loss to Chicago.
ANALYSIS
James had another excellent performance, but his efforts were not enough to carry the Lakers to a road win over one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Even though the Lakers have not performed as many expected this season, James is having another excellent year and his numbers have been outstanding of late. He's scored 20 or more points in all but one of his previous 11 appearances, including 30-plus seven times in that stretch.
Dec 19, 2021
Officially available Sunday
James (abdomen) is available for Sunday's game against the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
James will start Sunday's matchup as he plays through an abdominal strain once again. He's averaged 28.0 points, 7.4 assists and 7.1 rebounds in 39.0 minutes per game across his last 10 appearances.
Dec 19, 2021
Probable vs. Bulls
James (abdomen) is probable for Sunday's game against the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed on the injury report but hasn't missed any time recently. Across his past seven appearances, he's averaged 25.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks in 37.1minutes. With Anthony Davis (knee) out for at least a month, James may need to take on even more usage.
Dec 18, 2021
Quiet in loss
James recorded 18 points (5-13 FG, 2-6 3PT, 6-8 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal and two blocks in Friday's 110-92 loss to the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
James' point output was his third lowest of the season. He is averaging 25.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.6 triples across 37.2 minutes over his previous seven games. Anthony Davis (knee) went down with an injury during the contest, so the veteran forward might be relied upon even more in the immediate future should the former miss any time.
Dec 17, 2021
Available against Minnesota
James (abdomen) is available for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James will be able to play through his abdominal strain once again Friday. He should see plenty of run with several Lakers sidelined against Minnesota.
Dec 16, 2021
Likely to play Friday
James (abdomen) is probable for Friday's game against Minnesota, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to land on the injury report due to an abdominal strain, but it appears as though he'll be able to play through the issue again Friday. Across his last six appearances, he's averaged 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 37.3 minutes per game.
Dec 15, 2021
Posts 24 points in win
James recorded 24 points (9-19 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-3 FT), three rebounds, five assists and one steal in 43 minutes during Wednesday's 107-104 overtime win over the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
It was somewhat of an underwhelming performance from James, as he had solid efficiency but failed to reach any of his season averages in the low-scoring affair. The three assists is his second-lowest total of the campaign, and he'll hope for a bit more typical production Friday in Minnesota.
Dec 15, 2021
Good to go Wednesday
James will start Wednesday's game against the Mavs, Kyle Goon of Southern California News Group reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James' initial probable tag looks like it was just a precaution, as his status was never believed to be in any danger. Coming off of a 30-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist, three-block effort against Orlando on Sunday, James will look to keep things rolling as the Lakers seek just their second three-game winning streak of the season.
Dec 14, 2021
Probable for Wednesday
James (abdomen) is listed as probable for Wednesday's contest against the Mavericks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as probable with an abdomen strain, but he has played in each of the last five contest and is averaging 27.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks across 36.2 minutes during that stretch. It's safe to say that the four-time MVP winner will likely be available once again Wednesday.
Dec 13, 2021
Turns back time with triple-double
James (abdomen) supplied 30 points (12-20 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds, 10 assists and three blocks across 37 minutes during Sunday's 106-94 win over Orlando.
ANALYSIS
While James remains a player capable of putting up triple-doubles on any given night, these have become more and more uncommon for the veteran forward. Such wasn't the case Sunday, however, as he embraced the bigger responsibility with Anthony Davis (knee) out and Russell Westbrook going through a rough patch. While it might be too much to ask James to carry the Lakers on his own on a nightly basis, there's no question he remains an elite player in both fantasy and real life. Despite being slowed down by injuries this season and the fact that's currently dealing with an abdominal strain, the four-time MVP winner is averaging 26.3 points, 7.1 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals across 36.8 minutes per game in 2021-22.
Dec 12, 2021
Starting against Magic
James (abdomen) is starting Sunday's game against the Magic, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will be able to suit up for a fifth consecutive game in spite of his abdominal strain. He's scored at least 30 points in five of his last seven appearances, and he's unlikely to have any restrictions Sunday.
Dec 11, 2021
Probable Sunday
James (abdomen) is probable for Sunday's game against the Magic.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with an abdominal strain, but it appears as though he'll be able to play through the issue once again Sunday. He's appeared in each of the last four games and has averaged 26.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists in 36.0 minutes per contest during that time.
Dec 11, 2021
Fills stat sheet admirably
James (abdomen) closed with 33 points (13-20 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds, six assists, two blocks and three steals over 35 minutes during Friday's 116-95 win over the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James might be one of the oldest players in the league but that hasn't stopped him from playing at an elite level almost every night he's on the floor. The star forward delivered one of his most well-rounded stat lines of the campaign in this matchup, but one thing that stands out is the fact that his scoring numbers are on the rise compared to the start of the campaign. To note, James has scored at least 30 points in five of his last seven appearances.
Dec 10, 2021
Available Friday
James (abdomen) is available for Friday's game against the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James will be able to play through his abdominal strain once again Friday. He's averaged 24.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 36.3 minutes per game across his last three appearances, and he should be able to handle a similar workload Friday.
Dec 10, 2021
Probable vs. Thunder
James (abdomen) is probable for Friday's matchup against the Thunder, Bill Oram of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed with his abdominal strain, but he's appeared in each of the past three games. Over his past six appearances, he's averaged 29.2 points, 8.0 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 39.8 minutes.
Dec 10, 2021
Posts 100th career triple-double
James totaled 20 points (7-15 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 10 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and four steals across 37 minutes during Thursday's 108-95 loss to Memphis.
ANALYSIS
James joined Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson and Jason Kidd as the only players in NBA history to total 100 triple-doubles in a career, but his effort came up short as the Lakers fell to a shorthanded Memphis team. Despite the final outcome, the Lakers outscored Memphis while James was on the court, so his stat line -- which also included four steals and two blocked shots -- was clearly impactful. The future Hall of Famer has had to battle through injuries this season, but he hasn't slowed down much while on the court, posting per-game averages of 25.5 points, 6.9 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals.
Dec 9, 2021
Starting as expected
James (abdomen) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Grizzlies, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James was always expected to play as he's averaged 26.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 36 minutes over his last two games. The 36-year-old should continue to see his regular dose of minutes despite the injury designation.
Dec 8, 2021
Listed probable Thursday
James (abdomen) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against Memphis.
ANALYSIS
By all accounts, James has moved past the abdominal issue that plagued him last month, but it looks like the Lakers will likely continue to list him as probable as a game-to-game basis. James is coming off of a fantastic showing in Tuesday's win over Boston, which he finished with 30 points on 13-of-19 shooting, five assists and four rebounds in 36 minutes.
Dec 7, 2021
Playing Tuesday
James (abdomen) will play Tuesday against the Celtics, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers are moving Anthony Davis to center for Tuesday's game, so James is getting the nod at power forward. In his past four appearances, he's averaged 31.3 points, 8.0 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 41.5 minutes.
Dec 6, 2021
Probable for Tuesday
James (abdomen) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Celtics, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with the abdominal strain since mid-November, and it's hardly a surprise to see him listed on the injury report as probable. Anthony Davis (thumb) is also expected to play for the Lakers.
Dec 4, 2021
Scores 23 in return
James posted 23 points (9-23 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals across 36 minutes during Friday's 119-115 loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
While the Lakers dropped another game, James looked good in his return from a one-game absence, playing 36 minutes and posting his third double-double of the season. James' campaign has been marred by 12 absences through the first six weeks of the season, but when healthy he's been an elite fantasy player, posting 25.6 points, 6.8 assists, 5.7 boards, 1.8 steals and 2.8 threes in 36.9 minutes.
Dec 3, 2021
Starting in return
James (abdomen) is starting Friday's game against the Clippers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was unavailable for Tuesday's win over the Kings due to the league's health and safety protocols, but he'll return to the starting five Friday. He's averaged 34.0 points, 8.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds in 43.3 minutes per game across his last three appearances.
Dec 2, 2021
Clears protocols, to play Friday
James cleared the NBA's health and safety protocols Thursday and plans to play in Friday's game against the Clippers, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James landed in health and safety protocols prior to Tuesday's game against the Kings, but he's since returned the multiple negative tests necessary to pass through the protocols as a vaccinated player. Charania notes that James' initial positive test was an inconclusive result, so it appears that he may never have actually contracted the virus. Either way, it looks as though James will miss only one game, assuming he is, indeed, back in the lineup for Friday's showdown against the Clippers. After that, the Lakers have three days off before hosting the Celtics on Tuesday.
Dec 1, 2021
Not exhibiting symptoms
James' teammate, Anthony Davis, said after Tuesday's 117-92 win over the Kings that James isn't exhibiting any symptoms since testing positive for COVID-19 and entering the NBA's health and safety protocols, Sanjesh Singh of USA Today reports. "He said he's good," Davis said of James. "I think he said he's asymptomatic, which is a good sign. But we want to make sure that he gets back. Health is most important."
ANALYSIS
Assuming James remains asymptomatic, he shouldn't require much time to regain conditioning and get back up to full speed once he's cleared to end his quarantine. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Tuesday that James will be sidelined for at least 10 days, though the four-time MVP could rejoin the Lakers before that if he returns two negative test results in a period of at least 24 hours moving forward. James seems unlikely to gain clearance prior to Friday's contest against the Clippers, but a return for the Lakers' following game Dec. 7 against the Celtics. If there's a positive takeaway for fantasy managers, it's that James' absence will come during a lighter portion of the Lakers' schedule. He'll also have more time to recover from a lingering right abdominal strain that had made him a fixture on Lakers injury reports since he returned from an eight-game absence Nov. 19.
Nov 30, 2021
Enters COVID-19 protocols
James (abdomen) entered COVID-19 protocols Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James is out Tuesday against the Kings and could be facing an extended absence depending on the exact nature of the situation. More information may be available in the coming days, but fantasy managers should be prepared for the possibility that James is out for at least 10 days. In his absence, more minutes will be on the table for Talen Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves, Malik Monk and others. Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis will also handle a bigger share of the offense.
Nov 29, 2021
Questionable Tuesday
James (abdomen) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Kings, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a right abdominal strain, but he's been able to play through the issue recently. The 36-year-old has started each of the last three games and has averaged 34.0 points, 8.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds in 43.3 minutes per contest.
Nov 29, 2021
Masterful in Sunday's victory
James chipped in 33 points (12-20 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 5-8 FT), five rebounds, nine assists, one block and two steals across 37 minutes during Sunday's 110-106 victory over the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
Despite once again coming into the game with a questionable tag, James took to the court and dominated. Injuries aside, it's been a solid season thus far for the ageless superstar. Time is beginning to catch up with James, however, and it is reasonably safe to assume he will miss at least a handful of games before the season is done.
Nov 29, 2021
Expects to play Tuesday
James (abdomen) expects to play in Tuesday's game against the Kings, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James played through a right abdominal strain in Sunday's 110-106 win over the Pistons and logged a team-high 33 points (12-20 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 5-8 FT), nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block in 37 minutes. He said during his postgame press conference that he didn't aggravate his injury during the contest and said that he'll be ready to play Tuesday.
Nov 28, 2021
Starting Sunday
James (abdomen) is starting Sunday's game against the Pistons
ANALYSIS
James will be able to play through a right abdominal strain once again. Across two appearances since returning from his two-game suspension, he's averaged 34.5 points, 8.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 46.5 minutes per contest.
Nov 27, 2021
Questionable vs. Pistons
James is questionable against the Pistons on Sunday because of his previous abdominal injury.
ANALYSIS
Due to recurring abdominal soreness, James' availability status was questionable before he played during each of his last four games. He will have a little more than 24 hours to recover before an intriguing matchup versus Detroit.
Nov 27, 2021
Can't close out Kings in 3OT
James closed Friday's 141-137 3OT loss to the Kings with 30 points (10-25 FG, 2-13 3Pt, 8-11 FT), seven rebounds, 11 assists and one steal over 50 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James, Anthony Davis (49 minutes) and Russell Westbrook (51) all played huge minutes in the loss, and all three struggled down the stretch as the Lakers blew yet another lead and couldn't close out a lowly Kings team on their home court. While James got to 30 points, he shot an inefficient 10-of-25 from the field, hitting only two of his 13 attempts from three. The four-time MVP also committed seven turnovers and finished as a minus-seven. The Lakers have an off day Saturday before hosting the Pistons on Sunday. They then have a rematch with the Kings on Tuesday -- one of only two contests on their Week 7 schedule.
Nov 26, 2021
Good to go
James (abdomen) is available and will start at small forward in Friday's matchup with the Kings, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a regular on the injury report with his abdomen injury, but he will give it a go Friday. Coach Frank Vogel indicated earlier in the day that he expected him to play, so the news is relatively unsurprising. Barring any setbacks, look for the superstar point-forward to take on his usual workload.
Nov 26, 2021
Expected to play Friday
Coach Frank Vogel said he expects James (abdomen) to play Friday against the Kings, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as questionable after returning from an abdominal strain, but fantasy managers shouldn't worry too much. The 36-year-old was also on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's 124-116 win over the Pacers, but he was still able to score 39 points across 43 minutes. The only game James has missed since his eight-game absence was due to the suspension for his altercation with the Pistons' Isaiah Stewart.
Nov 25, 2021
Questionable vs. Kings
James is questionable against the Kings on Friday because of an abdominal injury.
ANALYSIS
Despite returning from an abdominal strain on Nov. 19, James' game availability continues being questionable because of it. Fantasy managers may not need to worry though. Though his status had been questionable before the Lakers' previous four games, James played all but one matchup he was suspended for due to hitting Isaiah Stewart.
Nov 25, 2021
Buries daggers in win
James finished with 39 points (13-29 FG, 5-12 3pt, 8-9 FT), six assists, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 43 minutes Wednesday, as the Lakers beat the Pacers 124-116 in double overtime.
ANALYSIS
James was clutch throughout the night and sealed the game with two deep threes at the end of overtime. It marked only the ninth game James has played in this season, but served as a reminder that he remains one of the truly premier fantasy contributors in the league. The 36-year-old has scored at least 10 points in 1,049 straight contests -- an astounding figure among active players.
Nov 24, 2021
Back in action Wednesday
James (abdomen) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old served his one-game suspension during Tuesday's matchup with the Knicks and was considered questionable for Wednesday, and he'll retake the court versus the Pacers. Anthony Davis (illness) isn't expected to play, so James could carry a heavier offensive workload than usual for the Lakers.
Nov 24, 2021
Questionable Wednesday
James is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to an abdominal strain.
ANALYSIS
James missed Tuesday's game against the Knicks due to a suspension, and he's still dealing with an abdominal issue following his one-game ban. However, the 36-year-old had played through the injury recently, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him suit up Wednesday. Across his last two appearances, James averaged 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 26.5 minutes per game.
Nov 22, 2021
Receives one-game ban
James received a one-game suspension for his role in Sunday's altercation with the Isaiah Stewart of the Pistons, and he'll serve the ban Tuesday against the Knicks, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
ANALYSIS
In its statement the NBA said James was suspended "for recklessly hitting Stewart in the face and initiating an on-court altercation." Stewart was banned two games for his role in the incident. James was initially considered questionable for Tuesday due to his abdominal injury, but he'll now look to return to action in the second half of the back-to-back set Wednesday at Indiana.
Nov 22, 2021
Questionable for Tuesday
James (abdomen) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Knicks, Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
While he's played in each of the last two games, James may still be bothered by the abdominal strain that kept him out of eight straight games from Nov. 4 through Nov. 17. Of course, James' status for Tuesday's game is further clouded by the possibility that he could face further discipline following Sunday's altercation with the Pistons' Isaiah Stewart. James was assessed a Flagrant-2, resulting in an automatic ejection, for his role in the fracas, and it's possible the league could subsequently hit him with a suspension. News on that front should come sometime in the very near future, but either way the four-time MVP should be considered very much questionable for Tuesday night.
Nov 21, 2021
Ejected Sunday
James was ejected during Sunday's contest against the Pistons, Rod Beard of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
The four-time champion was ejected from Sunday's contest after elbowing Isaiah Stewart in the face during the third quarter. It is unclear if James will face further punishment from the league at this moment. The Lakers play the Knicks on Tuesday.
Nov 21, 2021
Available at Detroit
James (abdomen) is available against the Pistons on Sunday, according to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.
ANALYSIS
Abdominal soreness did not prevent James from playing Friday -- against the Celtics -- and won't do the same Sunday.
Nov 20, 2021
Questionable vs. Detroit
James (abdomen) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Pistons, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James made his return Friday against the Celtics and posted 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals in 32 minutes. However, he's dealing with some soreness and might take the night off against the struggling Pistons.
Nov 20, 2021
Scores 23 in return
James tallied 23 points (10-16 FG, 3-7 3PT, 0-1 FT), 6 rebounds, two assists and two steals across 32 minutes in Friday's 130-108 loss to the Celtics.
ANALYSIS
The 32 minutes, while relatively high for a return from an eight-game absence, were a season-low for James. Albeit a small sample size through just seven games, he is averaging his lowest point (24.6) and rebound (5.6) total since his rookie season. The superstar point-forward will look to get back on track Sunday when the Lakers visit Detroit.
Nov 19, 2021
Making return Friday
James (abdomen) is making his return Friday against the Celtics, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James last played Nov. 2, and he'll make his return Friday after an eight-game absence. He's played just six games this season and is averaging 24.8 points, 7.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 37.2 minutes. His return could mean a reduction in usage for Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker and Carmelo Anthony.
Nov 19, 2021
Game-time call Friday
Coach Frank Vogel said James (abdomen) is a game-time decision for Friday's game at Boston, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James is officially questionable for Friday's contest, and it appears his availability won't be determined until a pre-game workout. The 36-year-old has missed the past eight contests with a strained abdominal muscle but is closing in on his return to game action, even if it doesn't come against the Celtics.
Nov 18, 2021
Questionable against Boston
James (abdomen) is questionable for Friday's game against the Celtics, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been sidelined since early November due to his strained abdominal muscle, but he's remained optimistic that he'll be able to return for Friday's matchup. Even if he's able to suit up against Boston, it's possible that the 36-year-old will have a minutes restriction following his relatively lengthy absence.
Nov 16, 2021
Aiming to return Friday at Boston
James (abdomen) may be able to make his return to action Friday against the Celtics, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Wojnarowski notes that there is "growing optimism" that the superstar could be back before the end of the week as he continues to rehab the strained abdominal muscle that he initially tweaked on Nov. 2 against Houston. The Lakers will monitor how he progresses over the next few days, but it appears as though James will ultimately end up missing just two-and-a-half weeks -- and eight total games, including Wednesday's contest at Milwaukee. If he is ultimately cleared to play Friday, James would almost certainly slot back into the starting lineup right away.
Nov 14, 2021
Hasn't returned to contact work
James (abdomen) is yet to return to contact work, but coach Frank Vogel said Sunday that the four-time MVP is "looking good" in individual workouts, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will miss another game Sunday against the Spurs, and while Vogel said the team is continuing to consider the superstar day-to-day, it's highly unlikely that he plays in Monday's game against the Bulls. It's possible James could return at some point during the Lakers' four-game Week 5, but the fact that he hasn't taken contact yet could be an indication that he'll need some more time.
Nov 13, 2021
Still out Sunday
James (abdomen) remains out Sunday against the Spurs, Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll reports.
ANALYSIS
James will sit out a sixth straight game due to a strained abdomen. His next chance to play is Monday against the Bulls.
Nov 4, 2021
Likely out at least one week
James (abdomen) is expected to be sidelined for at least a week, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers want to be cautious with James early into the season, so he'll likely get the week off to rest and recover. While he's sidelined, the Lakers' offense will revolve more around Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis, who both see the biggest usage increases on the team with James off the court. Malik Monk, Austin Reaves and Carmelo Anthony could be in store for increased minutes.
Nov 4, 2021
Out vs. OKC with abdominal strain
James will not play Thursday against the Thunder due to an abdominal strain, Kyle Goon of Southern California News Group reports.
ANALYSIS
James initially appeared on the injury report due to discomfort in his ankle, but it looks like it's actually an abdominal strain that will keep him out of Thursday's contest. The Lakers are likely just being cautious with the 36-year-old against a favorable opponent, though Los Angeles did just blow a huge lead and lose to the Thunder without James eight days ago. Consider the four-time MVP, who will sit for the third time in nine games already, questionable for Saturday's game at Portland.
Nov 3, 2021
Questionable Thursday
James (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Thunder, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been marked questionable which seems to be a technicality as of recently. He has been ruled questionable each of the past three games and managed to play in all of them with no apparent restrictions. If the 36-year-old does need a rest, Thursday's game would be an optimal matchup for him to do so as the Thunder have had a very slow start to the season. Another update on James' status will come closer to game-time.
Nov 3, 2021
Double-doubles in narrow victory
James finished with 30 points (13-21 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 assists, four rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes during Tuesday's 119-117 victory over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with ankle soreness but showed no sign of slowing down in the victory. He led all scorers and at times, was a man amongst boys against what is a very young Rockets squad. Fantasy managers are simply going to have to get used to James' name being on the injury report, something that could seemingly happen for just about every game this season. While there will be a few rest periods splattered throughout the season, the ageless James should continue to put up elite fantasy production whenever he is on the floor.
Nov 2, 2021
Playing vs. Houston
James (ankle) will play in Tuesday's matchup against the Rockets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will play through right ankle soreness for a third straight game. Over the past two contests, he's averaged 20.5 points, 8.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.0 blocks.
Nov 2, 2021
Expected to play
James (ankle) is a game-time decision but is expected to play Tuesday against the Rockets, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site
ANALYSIS
James should play through right ankle soreness for a third straight game. Over the past two contests, he's averaged 20.5 points, 8.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.0 blocks.
Nov 1, 2021
Game-time call Tuesday
James is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Rockets due to right ankle soreness, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has already missed two games early in the season due to an ankle injury, and it's evident he's failed to put the issue behind him at this point. His status will be worth keeping a close eye on as tipoff approaches.
Nov 1, 2021
Struggles from field
James put up 15 points (6-19 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight assists, seven rebounds, four steals and a block across 35 minutes in Sunday's win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James posted his lowest scoring outcome of the season and had major struggles when it comes to shooting the ball, but the veteran forward still finished with a decent stat line due to his ability to contribute in other areas of the game as well. Through five appearances this season, James is averaging 23.8 points, 6.4 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Those numbers represent an overall decrease compared to past years, but that was to be expected considering he shares the court with the likes of Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis, two other ball-dominant players.
Oct 31, 2021
Good to go Sunday
James (ankle) will play in Sunday's game against Houston, Dan Woike of the LA Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James was questionable coming into the day and then ruled a game-time call for Sunday's contest, but unsurprisingly he'll play through any lingering discomfort in his right ankle which kept him out of two games earlier in the week. James did play in Friday's win over the Cavs, finishing with 26 points, eight assists, three rebounds, three steals and three assists in 38 minutes. He struggled from three, however, hitting just one of 10 attempts.
Oct 31, 2021
Will be game-time call
James (ankle) will be a game-time call for Sunday's matchup against Houston, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to nurse the sore right ankle that cost him a pair of games earlier in the week, though he was able to play in Friday night's 113-101 win over the Cavs. The four-time MVP will likely go through a pregame workout before a final call is made on his status.
Oct 30, 2021
Questionable Sunday
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's tilt against the Rockets, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James is still dealing with a sore right ankle and could miss Sunday's game, though he played Friday against the Cavaliers and posted 26 points, eight assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. If he sits out, more minutes would be available for Malik Monk, Austin Reaves and Carmelo Anthony.
Oct 29, 2021
Good to go
James (ankle) has been cleared to play in Friday's matchup with the Cavaliers, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James will return from a two-game absence due to right ankle soreness. Look for him to resume his usual role with the team assuming he avoids any type of setback.
Oct 28, 2021
Questionable vs. Cleveland
James (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup against the Cavaliers, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been sidelined over the past two games due to right ankle soreness. In his place, Russell Westbrook has taken on a bigger share of the offense, with Malik Monk seeing the biggest increase in minutes.
Oct 27, 2021
Remains out Wednesday
James (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Oklahoma City, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James was unavailable for Tuesday's win over the Spurs, and he'll be forced to sit out for the second half of the back-to-back set as he continues to deal with a lingering ankle injury. The 36-year-old's next chance to return will be Friday against Cleveland, while Carmelo Anthony and Avery Bradley should see increased usage against the Thunder.
Oct 26, 2021
Ruled out at San Antonio
James (ankle) will not play in Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Bill Oram of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James was downgraded from probable to questionable earlier in the day, and he'll now miss Tuesday's game due to lingering soreness in his right ankle -- the same one that hampered him over the second half of last season. It's possible the Lakers are simply being cautious with their best player, but James could be at risk of missing Wednesday's game at Oklahoma City as Los Angeles heads into its first back-to-back set of the season.
Oct 26, 2021
Downgraded to questionable Tuesday
James (ankle) has been downgraded from probable to questionable for Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
The sore right ankle James sustained coming out of Sunday's win over the Grizzlies is apparently bothering the 17-time All-Star more than anticipated following Monday's off day. Considering Tuesday's contest is the first of a back-to-back set, the Lakers could be inclined to rest James for a game, but an official decision on his status will likely be made in the hours leading up to the 8:30 tipoff. Through the Lakers' first three contests, James is averaging 26.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.7 three-pointers, 1.7 steals and 1.0 block while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Oct 25, 2021
Listed as probable
James is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Spurs due to right ankle soreness, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James felt sore after Sunday's win over the Grizzlies since he collided with Desmond Bane in the first half of the contest. However, he was able to play through the injury to close out the game against Memphis, and it appears as though he'll be able to suit up once again Tuesday. It's not yet clear whether James will have any limitations if he's ultimately available for the front end of the back-to-back set.
Oct 25, 2021
Feeling sore after Sunday's win
James acknowledged that he's dealing with a sore right leg following Sunday's 121-118 win over the Grizzlies, but he plans to receive "around-the-clock" treatment with the hope of being available for Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. "Hopefully I'm ready to go," James said.
ANALYSIS
James suffered the injury in question in the first half of Sunday's contest, when he collided with Grizzlies wing Desmond Bane. Though James remained on the floor for several minutes and was checked out by the Lakers' medical staff, he was ultimately cleared to stay in the contest. He played a season-high 40 minutes to help lead the Lakers to their first win of the season, scoring 19 points (7-19 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 1-2 FT) to go with six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. While James looks to have escaped a serious injury scare, it wouldn't be overly surprising if the Lakers held him out of Tuesday's game as a precaution, given that it's the front end of a back-to-back set.
Oct 23, 2021
Goes for 25 points in loss
James delivered 25 points (8-18 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five assists, two rebounds and two steals across 37 minutes in Friday's loss against Phoenix.
ANALYSIS
James has opened the season with back-to-back games of at least 25 points, and just like it happened in the season opener, the presence of both Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook isn't affecting his scoring numbers. James seems to be locked in from long range as well, going 10-for-20 from three-point range to begin the year.
Oct 20, 2021
Scores game-high 34 points
James mustered 34 points (13-23 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 3-6 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block across 37 minutes in Tuesday's loss against the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James enjoyed a strong start to the 2021-22 season and was one of two Lakers that surpassed the 30-point plateau, though the rest of the team didn't provide much help on the offensive end of the court. The veteran forward looked sharp from the field and stuffed the stat sheet as he normally does, meaning his usage rate and his role as the team's go-to player on offense won't be affected even when he shares the court with Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. That's a great signing for fantasy manager who feature James on their squads regardless of the format.
Oct 18, 2021
Set for usual workload
Coach Frank Vogel said Monday that he envisions James playing "34 to 36 minutes per game" this season, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Vogel added that while he will not pre-script when James takes nights off, he does not want his superstar playing in all 82 games -- a feat James has accomplished just once in his NBA career (2017-18 with the Cavaliers). James finished last season at 33.4 minutes per game, so he could see a slight bump up, but the Lakers will be careful not to over-extend the soon-to-be-37-year-old, who's missed significant time due to injury in two of his three seasons with the franchise. With that said, James has always been defiant when it comes to limiting his minutes, so the four-time Finals MVP will likely have the final say as far as in-season load management is concerned. Heading into his 19th season, James has shown few signs of physical decline, as he continues to defy the age-related decline most players inevitably experience. James did admit Monday that he "didn't do much basketball stuff" early in the offseason, as he prioritized regaining strength and flexibility in the ankle that hobbled him over the second hal
Oct 15, 2021
Goes for 30-6-6 in 29 minutes
James finished Thursday's preseason game against the Kings with 30 points (12-20 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers once again got off to a disastrous start, allowing 35 points to the Kings in the first quarter alone, but James led the charge in the second period, as the Lakers stormed back to trail by only six points at the half. As expected, the Lakers were careful with James' workload throughout the preseason, but he saw 29 minutes of action Thursday in his final tune-up before Tuesday's regular-season opener against the Warriors.
Oct 8, 2021
Will make preseason debut
James (rest) will make his preseason debut Friday versus the Warriors, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James sat out the Lakers' first two preseason contests for rest purposes. Look for the Lakers to ease him back into the swing of things in terms of his minutes.
Oct 5, 2021
Sitting again Wednesday
James (rest) won't play Wednesday against the Suns, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will sit out the second preseason contest. His next chance to play is Friday against the Warriors.
Oct 1, 2021
Won't play in preseason opener
James (rest) will not play in the Lakers' preseason opener Sunday against the Nets, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
This isn't exactly unexpected, as James has obviously earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to being prepared for an upcoming season. The Lakers will also be sitting Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Trevor Ariza, meaning we'll get a taste of the Lakers' depth.
Sep 30, 2021
'I feel great' entering preseason
James said Thursday that he feels "great" as the 2021-22 season approaches, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SporstNet reports.
ANALYSIS
James acknowledged that playing into October in the NBA bubble in 2020 "literally took everything away" from him, energy-wise, heading into last season, and he said there's a tangible difference in the team's overall energy level through the first few days of training camp. Despite the challenges of the NBA bubble, James looked every bit like himself for most of last season, though a severe ankle sprain in March cost him significant time, and the issue lingered into the postseason. He'll head into his 19th NBA season at full strength and looking to avoid the somewhat-flukey injuries that have plagued him in two of his three seasons since coming to Los Angeles.
Jun 4, 2021
Logs first career first-round loss
James totaled 29 points (11-26 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 4-6 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocked shots over 41 minutes in Thursday's Game 6 playoff loss to Phoenix.
ANALYSIS
James was more assertive as a scorer in the contest than he had previously been in the series, taking 26 shots and finishing with his highest point total since March 18. However, he has outshined by Devin Booker -- who scored 47 points -- and couldn't carry Los Angeles on his own following the exit of fellow superstar Anthony Davis (groin) early in the first quarter. James finished the series with per-game averages of 23.3 points, 8.0 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals, but those numbers weren't enough to help him dodge the first first-round playoff loss of his storied career.
Jun 2, 2021
Carries Lakers in loopsided defeat
James recorded 24 points (9-19 FG, 6-10 3Pt), seven assists and five rebounds across 32 minutes in Tuesday's loss to the Suns.
ANALYSIS
James was the only reliable scoring threat for the Lakers throughout the entire contest, but he lacked company this time around -- Los Angeles couldn't even reach the 90-point plateau as a team while losing by a 30-point margin. The star forward will have to carry the Lakers in Game 6 on Thursday and while the Lakers are on the brink of elimination, James can't be the one to blame for the team's struggles since he's averaging 22.6 points, 8.2 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game in the series so far.
May 30, 2021
Scores 25 but commits six turnovers
James delivered 25 points (10-21 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 12 rebounds, six assists and a steal across 38 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Suns. He also committed six turnovers.
ANALYSIS
On the surface, it seems like a strong effort from James -- who delivered his second double-double of the season while also topping the 20-point mark for the third straight game. However, he committed five or more turnovers for the third time over the four contests of the series and once again looked sloppy as the team's primary playmaking threat. His stats are good enough to keep James as a must-start player across all formats going forward, but there's no question James still has several kinks to iron out before he's back to his best shape -- especially from an efficiency point of view.
May 28, 2021
Scores 21 with seven turnovers
James had 21 points (9-19 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), nine assists and six rebounds in Thursday's Game 3 win over the Suns.
ANALYSIS
It was far from a vintage performance for James, who still appears to be rounding into form after missing extensive time down the stretch due to an ankle injury. But he topped 20 points for the second straight game and once again put on a show as a facilitator in the halfcourt. James was responsible for seven of the Lakers' 20 turnovers, however, and his recklessness in the fourth quarter allowed the Suns to climb back into the game after Los Angeles built an 18-point advantage.
May 26, 2021
Sniffs double-double
James delivered 23 points (9-16 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 1-1 FT), nine assists, four rebounds and two steals across 39 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Suns.
ANALYSIS
James didn't repeat the double-double he accomplished in Game 1 of the series, but he surpassed the 20-point mark once again and he's now reached that tally in four of his five games since returning from a six-game absence. James is averaging 20.5 points, 9.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game through his first two playoff appearances.
May 25, 2021
Playing in Game 2
James (ankle) will play in Tuesday's Game 2 against the Suns, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will continue to play through his high right ankle sprain. Over the past four games, he's averaged 22.3 points, 8.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 31.5 minutes.
May 24, 2021
Likely to play Tuesday
James (ankle) is listed as probable for Game 2 against Phoenix on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
James continues to show up on the injury report due to a lingering right ankle sprain, but it would be a big surprise if he didn't play Tuesday. The 36-year-old had a fairly mild 18-point performance in the Game 1 loss, so, assuming he plays, he could come out aggressive in Game 2 to help the team try to avoid falling in an 0-2 series hole. It's also worth noting that there's no mention of his shoulder in the injury report after he took a hard fall in the fourth quarter of Game 1.
May 23, 2021
Can't carry team to victory
James tallied 18 points (6-13 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-6 FT), 10 assists, seven rebounds and three steals across 36 minutes in a Game 1 loss to Phoenix on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
James was aggressive in the first quarter, putting up eight points. He scored only 10 more points the rest of the way, however, and never really found a groove. The veteran finished with a fine stat line overall (aside from his five turnovers), but he was overshadowed by Devin Booker, who finished with 34 points for the Suns. James endured a scary moment in the fourth quarter, hitting the floor hard and immediately favoring his shoulder, but indicated after the contest that he'll "be ready for Game 2," per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
May 23, 2021
Suiting up Sunday
James (ankle) will play in Game 1 against the Suns on Sunday, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Unsurprisingly, James will be available as the playoffs officially get underway for the defending champions. The 36-year-old is coming off a triple-double in Wednesday's narrow play-in victory over the Warriors.
May 22, 2021
On track for Game 1
James (ankle) is probable for Sunday's Game 1 against the Suns, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old continues to play through a right high-ankle sprain, but there's little question he'll be available for the first game of the series. James posted 22 points (7-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-9 FT), 11 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block in 35 minutes during the play-in victory over the Warriors on Wednesday.
May 20, 2021
Drains game-winning three
James notched 22 points (7-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-9 FG), 11 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block across 35 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James has scored at least 20 points in each of his three appearances since his return, but he delivered his first triple-double since March 16 in a game where he had to take over in the second half. Numbers aside, James also drained the game-winning three right in Stephen Curry's face to seal the win for the Lakers. Despite being 36 years old, James continues to be a nightly triple-double threat and should be a strong play in most fantasy formats during the playoffs even if he's going to work as the Lakers' second-best offensive option behind Anthony Davis.
May 18, 2021
Will play Wednesday
James (ankle) is "good to go" for Wednesday's game against the Warriors, Mark Medina of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, following a full practice Tuesday, James will be available for Wednesday's play-in game against Golden State. James played under 30 minutes in each of his final two regular-season appearances, but he should be expected to play his usual 35-minute workload in Wednesday's game, assuming the game remains competitive.
May 18, 2021
Full practice participant Tuesday
Coach Frank Vogel indicated that James was battling some "minor soreness" in his ankle but was a full participant in Tuesday's practice session, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James played through the ankle issue in the last two games of the regular season and there was no way, barring a major setback, he would be missing out on postseason play. Look for him to log as many minutes as his ankle can handle Wednesday.
May 17, 2021
Intends to play Wednesday
James tweaked his ankle in Sunday's win over the Pelicans but intends to play Wednesday against the Warriors, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James was playing through a lingering ankle injury in Sunday's regular-season finale, but he went to the locker room late in the contest after he stepped on Nickeil Alexander-Walker's foot during a layup attempt. Prior to his departure, James totaled 25 points (11-22 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six assists, three steals and a rebound in 27 minutes.
May 16, 2021
Available Sunday
James (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James returned to the court Saturday and recorded 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in 28 minutes. He'll be able to play through his ankle injury once again in Sunday's regular-season finale.
May 16, 2021
Uncertain for Sunday
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
James is uncertain to play Sunday after he returned Saturday to post 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds across 28 minutes. With Los Angeles fighting to avoid the play-in game, it would be relatively surprising if the 36-year-old is held out of the finale.
May 15, 2021
Strong numbers in return
James notched 24 points (11-22 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight assists and seven rebounds across 28 minutes in Saturday's win over the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James has played just three games since mid-March and his availability for Sunday's contest against the Pelicans is uncertain with the playoffs just around the corner. It seems as if James' biggest priority is to be as healthy as possible come playoff time, but based on Saturday's performance, he's clearly trending in the right direction.
May 15, 2021
Making return Saturday
James (ankle) will play Saturday against the Pacers, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
After six games out to continue rehabbing his high ankle sprain, James will return for the Lakers' second-to-last game of the regular season. There's been no indication that he'll be on a minutes limit, but we shouldn't be surprised if James plays fewer minutes than usual.
May 14, 2021
Questionable Saturday
James (ankle) practiced Friday and is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the Pacers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Saturday marks the Lakers' second-to-last game of the regular season, so it would be ideal for James to make his return sooner than later. If he does play, there's a chance he'll be on a minutes limit. More information could arrive after the team's pregame activities Saturday.
May 12, 2021
Rules himself out Wednesday
James (ankle) will not play in Wednesday's game against Houston, per his personal Twitter account.
ANALYSIS
It's not often that a player self-reports his own injury status, but that's exactly what happened just minutes after Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports tweeted that James was "unlikely" to return Wednesday. Most of the news surrounding James' ankle in recent days has been positive, but he was held out of Tuesday's overtime win over the Knicks and will now miss both halves of the back-to-back. Haynes noted that James is targeting Saturday's game against Indiana for his return, so it does not appear that he's suffered any sort of setback. Rather, it's possible that the Lakers view the last-place Rockets as a team they can beat without James, so there's no need to risk bringing him back before he's completely healthy.
May 12, 2021
Officially questionable Wednesday
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's contest against the Rockets, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Wednesday has been a target return date for James for about a week, but the team will conservatively list him as questionable. If he's cleared to play, he could be on a minutes restriction. After Wednesday, the Lakers have just two more regular-season games.
May 11, 2021
Targeting Wednesday return
James (ankle) will not play Tuesday against the Knicks, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James had been expected to play in Tuesday's game, but instead he will take one more game to rest his right ankle before he likely returns Wednesday against Houston. It makes some sense as it may have been unwise for the 36-year-old to return for the front end of a back-to-back. Kyle Kuzma (back) and Talen Horton-Tucker (calf) could see increased workloads Tuesday with James out.
May 10, 2021
Listed as out for Tuesday
James (ankle) is listed as out for Tuesday's game against the Knicks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James is listed as out on the team's official injury report, but that very well may change considering Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported earlier in the day that the 36-year-old is expected to play. It's not 100 percent clear whether James will or will not play Tuesday, but additional updates regarding his status can be expected ahead of the game.
May 10, 2021
Likely available Tuesday
James (ankle) is expected to play Tuesday against the Knicks after being a full participant at Monday's practice, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old has been able to do on-court work the past couple days with no issues, setting the stage for him to return Tuesday from the four-game absence. The Lakers currently trail the Trail Blazers by one game for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, and James figures to do everything he can to help avoid the play-in tournament that will decide the conference's final two playoff teams.
May 10, 2021
Eyeing return for Tuesday
James (ankle) is targeting a return to the Lakers lineup for Tuesday's game against the Knicks, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Charania previously relayed May 6 that James was hopeful to make it back from a sore right ankle at some point during the Lakers' Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back set this week, and it appears little has changed on that front over the last four days. Heading into the final week of the regular season, the Lakers sit one game behind the Trail Blazers for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, so James has some extra incentive to push for a return to the lineup while Los Angeles hopes to avoid having to take part in the play-in tournament for the conference's final two playoff berths. If James isn't quite ready to go Tuesday, he should have better odds of suiting up Wednesday against the Rockets.
May 6, 2021
Return likely Tuesday or Wednesday
James (ankle) is expected to return Tuesday against the Knicks or Wednesday against the Rockets, Shams Charania of Stadium reports.
ANALYSIS
James is planning on sitting out the Lakers' games Thursday, Friday and Sunday before returning in the middle of next week. The goal is for James to be as close to 100 percent as possible while also allowing him some ramp-up time before the playoffs, especially since the Lakers are staring down a tough first-round opponent given their expected seeding. When James initially returned from his injury, he played 32 minutes against the Kings. It's not immediately clear if he'll be on a minutes restriction or not this time around.
May 4, 2021
Expected to sit next two games
James (ankle) is expected to miss the Lakers' upcoming back-to-back set against the Clippers (Thursday) and Trail Blazers (Friday), Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
While this is certainly concerning for the Lakers, who are fighting to stay out of the play-in spots in the Western Conference, coach Frank Vogel reiterated Monday that James did not suffer a setback with his right ankle, which caused him to miss 20 games in March and April. Wojnarowski notes that the Lakers will "proceed cautiously" with James as the playoffs approach, so it's possible he could miss more time over the final days of the regular season. After the back-to-back set, the Lakers will have just five games remaining.
May 3, 2021
Avoids setback
James (ankle) will continue to be considered day-to-day after leaving Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Frank Vogel was adamant that James didn't suffer a setback during Sunday's contest, and the team will monitor the star on a daily basis moving forward. His next opportunity to return arrives Thursday against the Clippers.
May 3, 2021
Will sit out Monday
James (ankle) will not play in Monday's game against Denver, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James departed Sunday night's loss to Toronto with soreness in his right ankle, which previously kept him out of 20 consecutive games from March 21 through April 28. The hope is that the Lakers are simply exercising caution on the second half of a back-to-back, but it's nonetheless concerning that James will not suit up given that the team is fighting to stay out of the play-in tournament in the Western Conference. Until further notice, consider James questionable for Thursday's showdown with the Clippers.
May 3, 2021
Leaves with sore ankle
James departed Sunday's game against Toronto with soreness in his right ankle, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers were down big when James exited for his normal rest midway through the fourth quarter, and he headed straight to the locker room to have his ankle examined. It did not appear that James tweaked the ankle on one specific play, so he's likely just dealing with some discomfort in his second game back from a multi-week absence. Consider the reigning Finals MVP very questionable for Monday night's home matchup with the Nuggets.
May 2, 2021
Available against Raptors
James (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against Toronto, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James returned from a high ankle sprain in Friday's loss to the Kings and recorded 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 32 minutes. Although he was questionable due to his ankle injury Sunday, coach Frank Vogel confirmed that James will play in a second straight contest.
May 1, 2021
Questionable Sunday
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raptors.
ANALYSIS
James played 32 minutes in his return from a high ankle sprain, but it's not a guarantee that he'll play again Sunday. If he's ruled out, look for Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker and Markieff Morris to see more usage.
May 1, 2021
Plays 32 minutes in return
James logged 32 minutes in Friday's loss to Sacramento, finishing with 16 points (6-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-5 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a blocked shot.
ANALYSIS
James posted his usual versatile stat line in his return from an ankle injury that forced him to miss 20 games. The future Hall of Famer did show some rust, committing five turnovers and missing the potential game-winning three-pointers in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter, but it's nonetheless impressive that he broached a triple-double in his first game back after an extensive layoff. Following the loss, James explained that his ankle felt "a little tight at times" but also indicated that he came out of the contest "unscathed," per Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site. The Lakers play a back-to-back set Sunday and Monday, which will pose an even greater test for James and his ankle.
Apr 30, 2021
Available Friday
James (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Kings, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James had missed the last 20 games due to a high right ankle sprain, but he went through warmups successfully and will return to the court Friday. James won't have a hard minutes restriction Friday, but coach Frank Vogel said that the team will "be responsible" with the 36-year-old's workload, Bill Oram of The Athletic reports. Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker and Markieff Morris should see fewer minutes with James back in action.
Apr 30, 2021
Expected to play Friday
James (ankle), assuming warmups go as planned, is expected to return Friday against the Kings, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has missed 20 straight games due to a high right ankle sprain, and he'll likely return Friday. Once he's officially cleared, he could be handed a minutes limit given that it's been over a month since he's taken the court. His return will mean fewer minutes for Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker and Markieff Morris.
Apr 30, 2021
Game-time decision Friday
James (ankle) is considered a game-time decision Friday against the Kings. If he doesn't play, he's likely to take the court Sunday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James is expected to make his long-awaited return Sunday against Toronto if he ends up being unavailable Friday. The Lakers' star will be returning from the longest absence of his career, so expect his minutes to be severely limited Friday if he plays. Coach Frank Vogel will likely continue to start Kyle Kuzma in his place until James is back on the court.
Apr 27, 2021
Still without return timeline
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said Monday that James (ankle) remains out indefinitely, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has now been sidelined more than a month with the right ankle sprain, and since he's only believed to have progressed to light on-court work at this stage, he could very well remain a week or more away from being ready to play in games. Fantasy managers in must-win playoff matchups -- particularly in shallower leagues where the replacement value on the waiver wire is high -- are probably justified in cutting James at this point, given the uncertainty of when he might be back.
Apr 19, 2021
Remains weeks away from return
James (ankle) is believed to be weeks away from a return to the court, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Frank Vogel noted that James has recently progressed to "light work," but he still isn't all that close to gaining full clearance. The Lakers will undoubtedly take the proper steps to ensure James is at full health prior to clearing him, and at this point in time, a specific return date has not yet been identified.
Apr 10, 2021
Could return in three weeks
James (ankle) is on track to return to the lineup in three weeks, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James could be right behind fellow star Anthony Davis (calf) in returning to the court, provided no setbacks occur in the weeks to come. Understandably, the Lakers will proceed with caution in handling the return of their two top players to ensure their health during the postseason. In the meantime, Kyle Kuzma (calf), and Talen Horton-Tucker should continue to split minutes at small forward for the Lakers until James returns.
Mar 25, 2021
Likely out 4-to-6 weeks
James received a 4-to-6-week projected timeline for his return after suffering a right high-ankle sprain in the Lakers' March 20 loss to the Hawks, Shams Charania of Stadium reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers had already been listing James as out indefinitely with the expectation that he would be sidelined for several weeks, but Charania's report provides a clearer range for when fantasy managers may expect to see the superstar back in the lineup. Even if James' recovery trends closer to the short end of that timeline, he likely won't be available to play until mid-to-late April. The Lakers' main goal is likely ensuring that both James and Anthony Davis (calf) are back to 100 percent before the end of the regular season ends May 16, so the team is incentivized to proceed slowly with their respective recoveries. While James is out, look for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder to take on most of the usage on offense.
Mar 22, 2021
Expected to miss multiple weeks
James is initially expected to miss several weeks due to his right high-ankle sprain, sources familiar with his injury tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers are merely labeling James as out indefinitely after he sprained the ankle in Saturday's loss to the Hawks, but a multi-week absence was fully expected for the superstar, given the previous timelines for players who have suffered similar injuries. That said, James has proven over his career to be a quick healer compared to most, so the Lakers are holding out hope that he may be ready to play again sooner rather than later if he responds well to the treatment. Fantasy managers should prepare to at least keep James on their bench or in an injured reserve slot for at least this week, and probably the following week, too, unless more positive news about his recovery process emerges. With Anthony Davis (calf) also facing a murky timeline for a return, the Lakers will likely rely on Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, Dennis Schroder and Talen Horton-Tucker as their primary scoring options for at least the next several games.
Mar 20, 2021
Out indefinitely
James (ankle) is out indefinitely, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James suffered a high right ankle sprain during the second quarter of Saturday's loss to the Hawks when an opponent rolled over his ankle. With both James and Anthony Davis (calf, Achilles) sidelined, the Lakers are down all of their elite talent. Players like Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma will need to step their games up, while Talen Horton-Tucker and Alex Caruso could see additional minutes.
Mar 20, 2021
Suffers high right ankle sprain
James (ankle) has been diagnosed with a high right ankle sprain, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Things could have been much worse for James, who got his ankle rolled over by an opposing player during Saturday's loss to the Hawks. Assuming he misses time, Talen Horton-Tucker, Alex Caruso and Kyle Kuzma are all candidates to see more usage.
Mar 20, 2021
Undergoing MRI
James (ankle) is receiving an MRI on his right ankle, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James exited Saturday's loss to the Hawks during the second quarter after his ankle was rolled on by an opposing player. The MRI may help determine the extent of the injury. The Lakers play Sunday, and it would be surprising if James saw the court.
Mar 20, 2021
Won't return Saturday
James (ankle) will not return to Saturday's game against the Hawks, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James exited Saturday's game during the second quarter with what appeared to be a bad ankle injury and won't return against the Hawks. This puts his status for Sunday's game against the Suns in question, as the severity of the injury is unknown at this time. Talen Horton-Tucker and Kyle Kuzma will likely see increased run in James' absence.
Mar 20, 2021
Heads to locker room
James went to the locker room during the second quarter of Saturday's game against the Hawks with an apparent ankle injury, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James' lower leg got caught under a falling opponent, and it appeared that he twisted his ankle badly. James attempted to play following the injury, but he subbed himself out after a couple of possessions and walked immediately to the locker room.
Mar 20, 2021
Playing as expected
James (ankle) will play Saturday against the Hawks, Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll reports.
ANALYSIS
Initially listed as probable, James will see the floor. This month, he's averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 assists and 7.6 rebounds in 33.8 minutes.
Mar 19, 2021
Probable once again
James is probable for Saturday's game against Atlanta due to left ankle soreness.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a lingering ankle issue but will likely be able to suit up once again Saturday. He recorded 37 points, eight rebounds and six assists over 36 minutes in Thursday's win over Charlotte.
Mar 19, 2021
Scores 37 points vs. Hornets
James recorded 37 points (14-22 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block Thursday in a 116-105 win versus Charlotte.
ANALYSIS
James was the Lakers' driving force that helped extend their winning streak to four games. But unlike those previous three wins, he easily spearheaded them points-wise against Charlotte. It was the third time this season during which James scored at least 35 in one game. He averaged 25.5 points and logged a 56.5 field-goal percentage across those four wins.
Mar 18, 2021
Starting Thursday
James (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Charlotte, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was officially ruled probable heading into this matchup, but as expected, will take the floor as usual. Over his past three games played, James is averaging 21.7 points, 11.0 assists and 8.3 rebounds.
Mar 17, 2021
Probable for Thursday
James (ankle) is probable for Thursday's game versus the Hornets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old is once again considered probable as he's expected to play through left ankle soreness again Thursday. James is averaging 24.4 points, 8.6 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 31.4 minutes over his past five games.
Mar 17, 2021
Registers another triple-double
James tallied 25 points (8-14 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 12 rebounds, 12 assists and a blocked shot across 31 minutes in a 137-121 win against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
A night after compiling a 22-10-11 effort against Golden State, James posted his second straight triple-double -- and the 99th such performance of his career -- to lead Los Angeles to its third straight win. The future Hall of Famer has continued to produce elite numbers in his 17th NBA campaign, posting per-game averages of 25.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 51.0 percent from the field.
Mar 16, 2021
Playing Tuesday
James (ankle) will play Tuesday against the Timberwolves, Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will continue to play on a sprained ankle. Since Feb. 1, James has averaged 25.9 points, 8.5 assists, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 35.8 minutes.
Mar 16, 2021
Listed as probable again
James (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's game against Minnesota, Harrison Faigen of SilverScreenAndRole.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as probable due to soreness in his left ankle, but it hasn't hampered him on the court as he went for a triple-double across 30 minutes in Monday's win over Golden State. The 36-year-old should take on his usual workload on the second end of a back-to-back.
Mar 16, 2021
Posts triple-double in blowout win
James finished Monday's 128-97 victory over Golden State with 22 points (8-13 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-6 Ft), 11 assists and 10 rebounds across 30 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The triple-double was James' fourth of the campaign and 98th of his storied career. The blowout nature of the win allowed the veteran to log only 30 minutes of time on the court, nearly five minutes below his season average. James recently indicated that he doesn't plan to rest much in the second half of the campaign, per Mark Medina of USA Today, so games like Monday can only help as he tries to lead the Lakers to a second straight NBA title.
Mar 15, 2021
Good to go
James (ankle) is starting Monday's game against Golden State, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as probable with a lingering ankle issue, but he's missed just one game all season. He's posted averages of 25.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists over his last 10 matchups.
Mar 14, 2021
Probable once again
James (ankle) is probable for Monday's game against the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James will land on the injury report once again ahead of Monday's contest, but he didn't show any signs of limitations while posting a double-double in Friday's win over the Pacers. Across his past five appearances, James has averaged 24.4 points, 6.2 assists and 5.8 rebounds over 32.0 minutes per game.
Mar 13, 2021
Posts double-double
James supplied 18 points (5-13 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 7-11 FT), 10 assists, three rebounds and one steal Friday in a 105-100 win against the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James leads the Lakers with 16 double-doubles this season. He may have attempted fewer than 15 field goals during three of his past five contests but still averaged 24.4 points through that span. Across 37 games this season, James has recorded double figures in assists 10 times.
Mar 12, 2021
Good to go
James (ankle) will play in Friday's matchup with the Pacers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sticking with the theme of the the first-half of the season, the Lakers labeled James as probable entering the evening and he will play through it. He indicated earlier in the week that he has no plans to rest during the second half of the season, but that of course remains to be seen. Barring any setbacks with his ankle, look for the 36-year-old to take on his usual workload.
Mar 11, 2021
Listed as probable for Friday
James (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Indiana.
ANALYSIS
James is in his normal place on the injury report, but don't expect him to miss Friday's game. The 36-year-old said Thursday that he has no plans to rest during the second half of the season after he had been rested in the team's final game before the All-Star break.
Mar 11, 2021
No plans to rest in second half
James said Thursday that he is not planning to take games off for rest over the second half of the season, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite playing into October in the NBA bubble, James made it clear early in the season that he had no plans to take nights off for rest. While he did sit out the first-half finale against Sacramento on Mar. 3, James played in the Lakers' first 36 games, averaging 34.6 minutes per contest. Coming out of the break, there was some speculation that James could ease up a bit as the postseason comes into focus, but the four-time Finals MVP appears intent on playing as many games as possible over the second half. For fantasy managers, this is positive news, as the Lakers look ahead toward a five-game week that includes a pair of back-to-back sets.
Mar 7, 2021
Done at halftime of All-Star Game
James finished Sunday's All-Star Game with four points (2-7 FG, 0-3 3Pt), four assists, two rebounds and one block in 13 minutes.
ANALYSIS
James did not play in the second half, as he appeared to be playing it safe after he was held out of Wednesday's game against the Kings due to a sore ankle. Team LeBron was just fine without its namesake, however, as it pulled away early and cruised to a 170-150 victory behind a combined 67 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Mar 3, 2021
Out Wednesday
James (ankle) will not play Wednesday against the Kings, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James had a huge performance during Tuesday's loss to the Suns, posting 38 points (16-24 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 3-5 FT), six assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block in 38 minutes. He's been dealing with a sprained ankle for most of the season, and he'll give it some extra rest before All-Star weekend. In his absence, Dennis Schroder will probably handle the ball more than usual, while Kyle Kuzma, Markieff Morris and Talen Horton-Tucker could see extra minutes and usage as well.
Mar 2, 2021
Playing vs. Suns
James (ankle) will play Tuesday against the Suns, Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will continue to play through a sprained ankle. Across the past five games, he has averaged 23.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks in 33.6 minutes.
Mar 1, 2021
Probable yet again
James is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Suns due to a left ankle injury, Gerald Bourquet of FanSided.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to hit the injury report with the same lingering ankle issue, though it doesn't appear as though he's in any danger of missing the matchup. Expect confirmation on the star's status closer to tip.
Feb 28, 2021
Goes for 19-6-4-2-2 in 24 minutes
James had 19 points (7-12 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in Sunday's win over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
The game was a blowout from the first quarter on, so James was able to get some much-needed rest during the second half. James' 24 minutes were his fewest in any game this season, and it was just the second time in his last 18 games that he played fewer than 31 minutes.
Feb 28, 2021
Starting against Warriors
James (ankle) is starting Sunday's game against the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James will be able to play through a sprained ankle once again in Sunday's matchup. He posted a double-double with 28 points and 11 rebounds in Friday's win against the Trail Blazers.
Feb 27, 2021
Probable vs. Warriors
James (ankle) is probable for Sunday's game against the Warriors, Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James lands on the injury report again as he continues to play through a sprained ankle. Across the last five games, he has averaged 25.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.4 steals in 35.4 minutes.
Feb 27, 2021
Excellent stat line vs. Blazers
James recorded 28 points (11-21 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-8 FT), 11 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks Friday in a 102-93 win versus Portland.
ANALYSIS
It was James' first game since January 2018 in which he recorded more than three steals and two blocks during a single matchup. Those somehow upstaged the fact that James logged another double-double, his 15th across 34 Laker games this season. James may no longer be a major defensive threat but supplies glimpses and makes up for it with elite statistical production even after more than 16 seasons in professional basketball.
Feb 26, 2021
Starting Friday
James (ankle) is starting Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will continue to play through a left ankle sprain during Thursday's matchup. He was only on the court for 28 minutes in Wednesday's blowout loss to the Jazz, but he shouldn't face any limitations against Portland on Friday.
Feb 25, 2021
Probable for Friday
James (ankle) is probable for Friday's game against Portland, Jamie Hudson of NBC Sports Northwest reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as probable with a left ankle sprain but that hasn't kept him out of any games so far this season. The 36-year-old only played 28 minutes during Thursday's blowout loss to Utah.
Feb 25, 2021
Quiet line in limited minutes
James totaled 19 points (7-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, four assists and one steal across 28 minutes in a blowout loss to the Jazz on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
James again entered the game with an injury designation due to the lingering effects of a sprained left ankle, but his relatively limited time on the court was more due to the lopsided nature of the score than to the injury. The veteran still managed to lead the team in scoring and placed second in assists. The Lakers have struggled without Anthony Davis (calf/Achilles) on the court of late, dropping four straight contests. That might necessitate James taking on a more aggressive role on offense, though he's done well with three games of 30-plus points in his last five outings.
Feb 24, 2021
Starting Wednesday
James (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup against Utah, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Nothing out of the ordinary here, as James was expected to play in this one despite nursing a left ankle sprain. Over his past 10 outings, James is averaging 27.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists while shooting 52.1 percent overall from the field.
Feb 23, 2021
Probable vs. Jazz
James (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed on the injury report with a sprained ankle that he suffered early in the year, but the MVP candidate has yet to miss any time. Across the past five games, he has averaged 26.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 36.4 minutes.
Feb 23, 2021
Plays 43 minutes in OT loss
James had 31 points (14-29 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 1-3 FT), 13 assists, nine rebounds and a steal in Monday's overtime loss to the Wizards.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers continue to struggle without Anthony Davis (ankle) in the lineup, but James was able to top 30 points for the third time in his last four games. He notched double-digit assists for the third time in five games but committed a season-high eight turnovers in 43 minutes. After hitting just two of his 10 attempts from deep, James is now a combined 6-of-37 from three over his last six games.
Feb 22, 2021
Good to go
James (ankle) will play Monday against the Wizards, Alex Regla of Lakers SB Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed as probable with a lingering ankle issue, but as expected, he'll be ready to take the court Monday evening. He's averaging 26.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.3 steals during the month of February (10 games).
Feb 21, 2021
Listed probable Monday
James (ankle) is listed as probable for Monday's game versus Washington, Harrison Faigen of SB Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
James is once again on the injury report with a left ankle sprain, but as has been the case all season, the four-time-MVP is expected to be in the lineup as the Lakers attempt to snap a two-game skid. James is coming off of a 19-point, nine-rebound, nine-assist game against Miami on Saturday, but he shot just 7-of-21 from the field and committed five turnovers in the 96-94 loss.
Feb 21, 2021
Flirts with triple-double
James netted 19 points (7-21 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a blocked shot across 37 minutes in Saturday's 96-94 loss to the Heat.
ANALYSIS
James struggled from the floor Saturday, but in typical fashion, he salvaged his line with excellent secondary numbers and almost logged a triple-double in the process. Jimmy Butler and the Heat exacted revenge on James with oppressive defense, limiting the Lakers to a 39.3-percent conversion rate. They also forced James to commit five turnovers in the loss.
Feb 20, 2021
Playing Saturday
James (ankle) will play Saturday against the Heat, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will see the floor despite a sprained left ankle. He's topped 30 points in each of the past two games and should see an increased role once again with Anthony Davis (calf) and Dennis Schroder (COVID-19 protocols) sidelined Saturday.
Feb 19, 2021
Probable Saturday
James (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game against the Heat.
ANALYSIS
James will land on the injury report once again due to a left ankle sprain, but he hasn't yet missed a game this season. He's topped 30 points in each of the past two games and should see an increased role once again with Anthony Davis (calf) and Dennis Schroder (COVID-19 protocols) sidelined Saturday.
Feb 19, 2021
Scores team-high 32
James scored 32 points (14-23 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-6 FT) and added eight rebounds and seven assists in the Lakers' 109-98 loss to the Nets on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
With Dennis Schroeder (COVID-19 protocols) joining Anthony Davis (calf) on the sideline, James was forced to take on another heavy scoring load. While he stepped up scoring 30-plus points for the second straight game, he didn't get enough help from his supporting cast to pull out a victory. Despite the loss, it was a historic night for James as he recorded his 35,000th career point, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone as the only other players to reach the milestone. In his 17th season, James is having another MVP-caliber season, averaging 25.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.
Feb 18, 2021
All set for Thursday's game
James (ankle) will play in Thursday's game against the Nets.
ANALYSIS
James will continue to be in the lineup as expected despite his placement on the injury report ahead of each game. The 36-year-old could be in line for an even more heightened workload in Thursday's game with both Anthony Davis (calf) and Dennis Schroder (COVID-19 protocols) set to be out.
Feb 17, 2021
Probable again Thursday
James (ankle) is probable for Thursday's game against the Nets.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old has been on the injury report all season with the left ankle sprain but has yet to miss a game. James had 30 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists Tuesday against the Timberwolves and should continue to shoulder a heavier workload with Anthony Davis (calf) sidelined.
Feb 16, 2021
Comes close to triple-double
James delivered 30 points (13-20 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 13 rebounds, seven assists and a block across 38 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
James shouldered a bigger scoring load with Anthony Davis (calf) sidelined, and he responded well with his fifth 30-point performance of the campaign. James is expected to see an uptick in both his numbers and his usage while Davis remains sidelined, but even with the star big man around, James has been productive enough to deliver value on a nightly basis even when he has an off night from time to time.
Feb 16, 2021
Good to go Tuesday
James (ankle) will start Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves, Ryan Ward of Lakers Daily reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old was considered probable for Tuesday's contest, so it's hardly a surprise he'll continue to play through the ankle issue. James is averaging 27.2 points, 9.5 assists, 9.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 38.3 minutes over the past six games, and he figures to be increasingly relied upon with Anthony Davis (calf) sidelined) for the near future.
Feb 15, 2021
Back on injury report
James is probable for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves due to a left ankle injury.
ANALYSIS
This has been a reoccurring theme for James this season, though he's yet to miss a game. Expect the star forward to be listed in the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's matchup, barring any setbacks.
Feb 15, 2021
Near triple-double against Nuggets
James had 22 points (9-18 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 10 rebounds, nine assists and one block in Sunday's 122-105 loss at Denver.
ANALYSIS
James was one assist shy of his fourth triple-double, but that was not close enough to get the Lakers back into Sunday's game. He had to compensate for the absence of Anthony Davis, who exited early due to an Achilles injury. James could receive an uptick in usage and value during the next week if Davis' MRI results turn out unfavorably.
Feb 14, 2021
Starting against Nuggets
James (ankle) is starting Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James has yet to miss any time this season due to his lingering ankle injury, and he'll be in the starting lineup once again Sunday. He nearly recorded a triple-double with 28 points, nine rebounds and eight assists over 34 minutes in Friday's win over Memphis.
Feb 13, 2021
Probable vs. Nuggets
James (ankle) is probable for Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of Lakers Daily reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to play through a bothersome ankle injury and has yet to miss any time this season. Over the past five games, he's averaged 28.2 points, 9.6 assists, 8.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 39.8 minutes.
Feb 13, 2021
Sniffs triple-double Friday
James racked up 28 points (9-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 9-14 FT), nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals across 34 minutes in Friday's win over the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James ended just one rebound and two assists shy of posting what would've been his third triple-double over his last five appearances, and the veteran forward continues to be the driving force for the Lakers on both ends of the court. James has also scored 20-plus points in 10 straight games, delivering averages of 28.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.7 assists per contest during that stretch.
Feb 12, 2021
Starting against Grizzlies
James (ankle) is starting Friday's game against Memphis.
ANALYSIS
James was probable heading into Friday's contest, so it's not very surprising to see him in the starting lineup once again. He's averaging 43.4 minutes per game over the past three contests.
Feb 11, 2021
Probable for Friday
James (ankle) is probable for Friday's game against the Grizzlies, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has yet to miss a game so far this season and that doesn't look likely to change any time soon even though he has logged heavy minutes across the team's last three wins, which have all gone to overtime. The 36-year-old has averaged a heavy 43.4 minutes per game over the last three outings.
Feb 11, 2021
Logs heavy minutes again in win
James tallied 25 points (9-20 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, seven assists and two steals across 41 minutes in Wednesday's overtime victory versus the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers have played three straight overtime games, which has resulted in James spending over 40 minutes on the court in three consecutive contests for the first time in four years. He has averaged 28.7 points, 8.3 boards, 10.0 dimes and 2.7 steals over that stretch and has impressively looked strong late in games. James made a clutch three-pointer late in regulation Wednesday and picked up a steal with 3.3 seconds on the clock in overtime to seal the win. The ageless veteran continues to play at an MVP-caliber level, posting per-game averages of 25.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists through 26 games.
Feb 10, 2021
Ready to face OKC
James (ankle) is starting Wednesday against the Thunder, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old has been on the injury report all season with the ankle sprain but has yet to miss a game, and that won't change Wednesday versus the Thunder. James delivered the 97th triple-double of his career during Monday's overtime win over Oklahoma City.
Feb 9, 2021
Probable Wednesday
James (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed on the injury report but has yet to miss any time this season. Over the past five games, he's averaging 26.0 points, 9.8 assists, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks in 39.8 minutes.
Feb 9, 2021
Delivers triple-double
James notched 28 points (11-22 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 14 rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and two blocks across 38 minutes in Monday's overtime win over the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James posted his 97th triple-double of his career and third of the season, as he embraced the increased responsibility with Anthony Davis (Achilles) out for this game. James' assists numbers have decreased a bit compared to last season, but he continues to be an elite fantasy asset across all formats as long as he remains healthy.
Feb 8, 2021
Starting vs. Thunder
James (ankle) will start Monday's game against the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
As anticipated, James will be in action Monday evening despite dealing with a slight ankle issue. He's averaging 29.1 points, 8.6 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals over his last seven contests.
Feb 7, 2021
Probable once again
James (ankle) is probable for Monday's game against the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a left ankle sprain, but he still hasn't missed any time due to the injury. He'll likely play once again Monday and will look to build on the momentum from his double-double against the Pistons on Saturday.
Feb 7, 2021
Comes up big late in victory
James totaled 33 points (13-26 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 4-6 FT), five rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in a double-overtime win over Detroit on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
James couldn't prevent the Pistons from climbing back from a fourth-quarter deficit and playing the Lakers tough for the second time this season, but he was able to help secure a victory for LA with eight points in the second overtime period. LeBron's seven turnovers were a season high, but he also collected a season-high four steals and dished 11 dimes to offset the mistakes. The veteran has now knocked down multiple three-pointers in seven straight games, adding value to his already-prolific fantasy skillset.
Feb 6, 2021
Available Saturday
James (ankle) will play Saturday against the Pistons, Harrison Faigen reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will continue to play through an ankle injury. Over the past five games, he's averaged 25.0 points, 8.6 assists and 7.4 rebounds in 37.0 minutes.
Feb 5, 2021
Likely to play Saturday
James (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game against the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
James continues to deal with a sprained left ankle, although it appears likely that he'll be able to play Saturday. He recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Thursday's win over the Nuggets.
Feb 5, 2021
Surpasses Wilt in Thursday's win
James recorded 27 points (12-19 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 114-93 victory over Denver on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
With a layup in the first quarter, James surpassed the legendary Wilt Chamberlain to move into third place on the all-time list for converted field goals. He also notched his 96th career triple-double -- and second this season -- in leading the Lakers to a comeback win. James paced the Lakers in scoring, rebounding and assists in the victory and has shown no signs of slowing down in his 18th NBA campaign. In addition to averaging 25.1 points, 7.8 boards and 7.7 assists, James has expanded his repertoire with career-best marks of 2.7 three-pointers and 40.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Feb 4, 2021
Starting Thursday
James (ankle) is active for Thursday's game against the Nuggets and will start, Ryan Ward of Lakers Daily reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed as probable due to his lingering left ankle sprain, so there never appeared to be any real doubt about his availability. The 36-year-old is averaging 8.7 assists and 7.0 rebounds across 37.0 minutes per game, in addition to 21.3 points and 1.0 steals.
Feb 3, 2021
Probable for Thursday
James (ankle) is probable for Thursday's game against the Nuggets, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old continues to be listed on the injury report with a left ankle sprain, but it shouldn't affect his availability for Thursday's contest. James is averaging 21.3 points, 8.7 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 37.0 minutes across the past three games.
Feb 1, 2021
Strong from charity stripe
James scored 21 points (5-12 FG, 2-6 3PT, 9-11 FT) to go along with seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals and one block across 38 minutes in Monday's win over the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
James bullied his way to a decent scoring night despite poor shooting from the field by getting to the free-throw line 11 times -- matching his season-high. More importantly, he converted 81 percent of those attempts, well over his 70.8 percent mark from the free-throw line for the season entering Monday's contest. James continues to contribute well in both rebounds and assists, as he's topped both six boards and assists in seven consecutive games.
Feb 1, 2021
Will play Monday
James (ankle) is available for Monday's game in Atlanta, Mike Conti of the Atlanta Hawks Radio Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old will once again play through the left ankle sprain that's kept him on the injury report all season. James is averaging 26.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 34.0 minutes while shooting 46.8 percent from deep across his last 10 games.
Jan 31, 2021
Questionable yet again Monday
James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Hawks, Kyle Goon of Southern California News Group reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as questionable in advance of nearly every game this season, but he's yet to miss any time, and his ankle certainly appears to be healthy. Over his last 10 games, James is averaging 26.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists while shooting 46.8 percent from three on 7.7 attempts per game.
Jan 31, 2021
Captains team in late comeback
James recorded 21 points (7-17 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 3-5 FT, seven assists, six rebounds and one block Saturday in a 96-95 win at Boston.
ANALYSIS
The Celtics held James in check through three quarters and finished the third leading by seven points. However, he logged team bests of eight points and three assists during the fourth quarter to help complete a comeback. It was not one of his best performances, but James and the Lakers have some momentum again after losing to an uninspiring Pistons team Thursday.
Jan 30, 2021
Good to go at Boston
James (ankle) will start Saturday against the Celtics, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old was once again considered questionable with a left ankle sprain, and he'll unsurprisingly continue to play through the injury. James is averaging 30.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 35.8 minutes across the past five games.
Jan 29, 2021
Questionable again Saturday
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Celtics.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James continues to be listed as questionable with an ankle injury he's played through almost all season, and it would be a surprise if he sat out Saturday. Over the past five games, he's averaging 30.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 35.8 minutes.
Jan 29, 2021
Three boards shy from triple-double
James had 22 points (8-19 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, 10 assists and a steal across 36 minutes in Thursday's loss against the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
James was listed in the injury report due to an ankle injury, but the star forward was as active and as decisive as he's been all season long -- he ended as the Lakers' joint-highest scorer while also pacing the team in assists. James was just three rebounds shy of posting his second triple-double of the season, and he should have a heavy role Saturday at Boston -- especially if Anthony Davis (quad) ends up missing that game as well.
Jan 28, 2021
Cleared to play vs. Pistons
James (ankle) will be available for Thursday's game against Detroit, Rod Beard of the Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
James was once again listed on the injury report with a sprained ankle, but as has been the case for every game this season, he'll ultimately take the floor. The Lakers will, however, be without Anthony Davis (quad) on Thursday, so Kyle Kuzma will enter the lineup in his place.
Jan 28, 2021
Questionable again
James (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
James hasn't been limited by, or forced to miss any time due to, the ankle injury he continues to be listed with, so we should expect him to play. Across the past five games, he's averaging 30.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals.
Jan 28, 2021
34 points not enough in loss
James recorded 34 points (12-22 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 8-11 FT), six rebounds and six assists Wednesday in a 107-106 loss against the Sixers.
ANALYSIS
After a 10-game win streak on the road, the Lakers suffered their first away loss in Philadelphia. It had little to do with James, who led them in both points (34) and assists (six) during was his second-best scoring performance this season (behind Monday's 46-point game at Cleveland). James also dominated in the other road games by averaging 26.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.2 assists across those 10 wins.
Jan 27, 2021
Good to go Wednesday
James is officially active for Wednesday's game against the 76ers, Justin Grasso of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James status for Wednesday night was never truly in doubt, as the 36-year-old has been considered questionable for nearly every game this season. Coming off of a 46 point effort in Monday's contest against the Cavs, James should continue to fill the stat sheet on a routine basis. So far this season, he's averaging 25.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.
Jan 26, 2021
Questionable for Wednesday
James is questionable for Wednesday's game at Philadelphia with a left ankle sprain, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old has been considered questionable for every game this season due to the left ankle sprain, and that trend continues Wednesday after putting up 46 points Monday at Cleveland. There's been no additional indication James' availability is in doubt for the matchup with the 76ers.
Jan 26, 2021
Explodes for 46 points in Cleveland
James tallied 46 points (19-26 FG, 7-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks in the Lakers' 115-108 win over the Cavaliers on Monday.
ANALYSIS
James clearly felt at home in the state in which he grew up and against the team with whom he spent the first seven seasons of his career, going off for season highs of 46 points and seven three-pointers. He needed only 26 field-goal attempts to reach the massive point total despite logging just two visits to the charity stripe. The future Hall of Famer saved his best for last, scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to guide the Lakers to victory in a closely-contested game. In his 18th NBA season, James continues to post MVP-caliber numbers with per-game averages of 25.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists and a career-high 2.7 treys.
Jan 25, 2021
Set to play Monday
James (ankle) will be available for Monday's game against the Cavaliers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as questionable for every game this season, yet he has not missed any time or faced any restrictions. Expect that to continue Monday as the Lakers play their third of seven consecutive road games.
Jan 24, 2021
Questionable Monday
James (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
James is questionable once again Monday, but he still hasn't missed a game due to his lingering left ankle sprain. He played a complimentary role to Anthony Davis in Saturday's win but didn't appear to be limited due to his injury.
Jan 24, 2021
Plays complementary role
James recorded 17 points (6-16 FG, 0-2 3PT, 5-8 FT) to go along with 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals across 29 minutes in Saturday's win over the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
James played a complementary role to Anthony Davis, who scored 37 points in the Lakers' relatively easy win. While James still managed solid counting stats, he didn't shoot the particularly well and posted poor percentages across the board. On the positive side of things, James managed multiple steals for only the third time this season and for the first time since January 1.
Jan 23, 2021
Cleared to play
James (ankle) will play Saturday against the Bulls, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will continue to play on an injured ankle. Across the past five games, he's averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 assists and 6.6 rebounds in 32.4 minutes.
Jan 22, 2021
Questionable Saturday
James (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Bulls, Matthew Moreno of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will carry a questionable designation once again heading into Saturday's contest, but he's yet to miss a game while dealing with a left ankle sprain. He recorded a season-high 34 points over 38 minutes in Thursday's win over the Bucks.
Jan 21, 2021
Season high 34 points in win
James (ankle) went for 34 points (13-25 FG, 6-10 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight assists, six rebounds, one block and one steal over 38 minutes in the Lakers' 113-106 victory over the Bucks on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
James followed up one of his worst performances of the season with one of his best. His 34 points were a season high and he fell just two assists shy of his seventh double-double. Thursday also marked the sixth time James made at least 10 shots in a game.
Jan 21, 2021
Good to go Thursday
James (ankle) will play and start in Thursday's game against the Bucks, ... reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed as questionable all season with an ankle sprain, but he will once again play as expected in Thursday night's contest. The 36-year-old has yet to miss a game so far this season.
Jan 20, 2021
Questionable Thursday
James (ankle) is once again listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Milwaukee.
ANALYSIS
James has popped up on the injury report for every game since opening night, and that doesn't look to be changing anytime soon. At some point, it's possible the Lakers could give the four-time MVP a night off, but he's yet to miss a game this season.
Jan 19, 2021
Quiet night in loss
James (ankle) contributed 19 points (6-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 5-8 FT), five rebounds and five assists across 38 minutes in Monday's loss to Golden State.
ANALYSIS
James continues to take the court despite a nagging ankle issue, so it's difficult to know how much the injury contributed to Monday's off night. While James wasn't completely absent in the loss, he didn't shoot well in any aspect and missed a potential game-winning three-point attempt as the clock expired. He also committed five turnovers in one of his poorest performances this season. The veteran will try to return to his typical dominant form following a couple days of rest in a tough matchup against Milwaukee on Thursday.
Jan 18, 2021
Starting vs. Warriors
James (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Golden State, Ryan Ward of LakersDaily.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James was listed as questionable due to an ongoing ankle issue, but he'll be good to go Monday evening. He's averaging 24.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.2 assists in the month of January (nine games).
Jan 17, 2021
Questionable against Warriors
James (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
James will carry a questionable tag once again heading into Monday's matchup, but he hasn't yet missed any time due to his left ankle sprain. He's topped 20 points in each of the past three contests and hasn't shown much sign of being hindered by his injury.
Jan 16, 2021
Leads balanced attack Friday
James (ankle) totaled 21 points (6-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 7-7 FT), eight rebounds and 11 assists in a victory over New Orleans on Friday.
ANALYSIS
James' 21 points were well below his season average, but they were enough to lead Los Angeles on a night in which six players scored in double figures. The veteran also led the Lakers in assists, as he registered his second-highest total (11) in that category this season. Fantasy managers who roster the future Hall of Famer may be most pleased with his output from the charity stripe -- for the second time this season, James went a perfect 7-for-7 from the line.
Jan 15, 2021
Available Friday
James (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Pelicans, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has yet to miss any time this season due to his left ankle sprain, and he'll once again be on the court Friday. He totaled 26 points, seven assists and six rebounds in Wednesday's win over the Thunder.
Jan 14, 2021
Questionable for Friday
James (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Pelicans, Matthew Moreno of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has played through his left ankle sprain for a few games now, and there's not yet any reason to believe that his status for Friday's contest is truly in doubt. He didn't show any signs of being slowed by the issue versus the Thunder on Wednesday, when he racked up a game-high 26 points to go with six rebounds and seven assists.
Jan 13, 2021
Scores game-high 26 points
James registered 26 points (9-20 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds and seven assists across 27 minutes in Wednesday's 128-99 win over the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
James paced the Lakers offensively once again, and the veteran is showing no signs of slowing down despite having a bigger role on offense compared to last season. James is yet to score under 18 points in a single game during the current campaign and, while he has registered double-digit assists just three times, he has supplemented that "lack" of assists with what seems to be an uptick in his scoring figures -- albeit minor -- this year. He is averaging 24.3 points per game.
Jan 13, 2021
Good to go Thursday
James will play Thursday against the Thunder, Matthew Moreno of LakersNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite the minor ankle sprain he's been dealing with over the last few games, James status was never truly in doubt for tonight's matchup with the Thunder. So far this season, he's averaging 24.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.
Jan 12, 2021
Scores 26 points in win
James registered 26 points (10-20 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds, five assists and a block across 29 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James has been dealing with an ankle sprain over the last few games, but that hasn't slowed him down -- he has topped the 25-point plateau in seven of his last nine contests. James also has three double-doubles and a triple-double over that span, so it's clear the minor injury is not affecting his ability to fill the stat sheet on a nightly basis.
Jan 12, 2021
Starting Tuesday
James (ankle) is playing and starting Tuesday against the Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite a persistent ankle sprain, James has yet to miss time. Over the past three games, he's averaging 24.3 points, 8.7 assists and 6.7 rebounds in 33.0 minutes.
Jan 11, 2021
Game-time call vs. Houston
James is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Rockets due to an ankle injury, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
This appears to be yet another precautionary listing on the injury report for James, who has yet to miss a game this season. Expect an update on the star's status closer to tip.
Jan 11, 2021
Serves secondary role Sunday
James had 18 points (7-15 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-6 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block in a 120-102 win Sunday at Houston.
ANALYSIS
With Anthony Davis (hip) back, James took more of a secondary role likely to alleviate the high usage he had Friday against the Bulls. These types of performances are rather unordinary for the forward. Fortunately, James has not gone under 18 points or both five rebounds and five assists in any of his games so far this season.
Jan 10, 2021
Starting against Houston
James (ankle) will start Sunday's game against the Rockets, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has yet to miss any time with an ankle injury despite carrying a questionable tag on a regular basis. He's averaging 27.0 points, 8.7 assists and 8.0 rebounds over 34.3 minutes per game over the past three contests.
Jan 9, 2021
Questionable for Sunday
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as questionable with an ankle injury but has yet to miss any time. Over the past three games, he's averaging 27.0 points, 8.7 assists and 8.0 rebounds in 34.3 minutes.
Jan 9, 2021
Carries scoring load in win
James (ankle) tallied 28 points (11-21 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 6-8 FT), seven rebounds and seven assists in a victory over the Bulls on Friday.
ANALYSIS
With teammate Anthony Davis (hip) ruled out of the contest, James took it upon himself to be aggressive offensively despite dealing with an injured ankle of his own. James' 28 points fell one shy of his season high and were 11 points more than the next-highest tally for Los Angeles. In typical LeBron fashion, James also contributed strong peripheral stats with seven boards and seven dimes. Perhaps the only stain on his evening was missing all five of his three-point attempts, marking the first time this season that James has failed to convert a shot from deep.
Jan 8, 2021
Starting Friday
James (ankle) is active Friday against the Bulls, Chuck Swirsky of the Bulls Radio Network reports.
ANALYSIS
James has yet to miss any time this season due to a left ankle sprain despite his presence on the injury report. He's recorded a double-double in each of the last four games for the Lakers.
Jan 8, 2021
Questionable Friday
James (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Bulls, Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as questionable, but he has yet to miss any time. If he happens to sit out Friday, Kyle Kuzma and Markieff Morris would be in for extended run.
Jan 8, 2021
Records another double-double
James had 27 points (8-15 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 7-11 FT), 12 assists and six rebounds during Thursday's loss to the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
James has recorded at least a double-double in each game of the calendar year he's played so far. Despite lingering issues involving his left ankle, the veteran is averaging 25.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists through four games in 2021. James will look at continuing that momentum against Chicago on Friday, though he may rest as it is part of a back-to-back.
Jan 7, 2021
Will play Thursday
James (ankle) will play in Thursday's game against the Spurs, Mark Medina of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
James will play in his ninth-consecutive game to start the year despite a nagging ankle issue. The 36-year-old has doubled-doubled in two-straight games and is averaging 32.4 minutes per game so far this year.
Jan 6, 2021
Questionable for Thursday
James (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Spurs with an ankle injury, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
The 36-year-old continues to be listed on the injury report with a sore ankle, though he has yet to miss a game this season. James is averaging 23.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.1 steal in 32.4 minutes through eight games.
Jan 5, 2021
Scores 21 points in second half
James scored 26 points (11-20 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT) to go with 11 rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal across 34 minutes in a 94-92 win over Memphis on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
The veteran recorded his second 20-point double-double in as many games during a fight to the finish to close out the trip to Memphis. James struggled to start the game, shooting 1-for-7 from the field in the first half, but found a groove after trailing at halftime. The forward shot 8-for-11 from the field in the second half, including shooting 7-for-8 from inside the arc. Despite only making one shot from behind the three-point line in three games this season, James is shooting his best percentage from deep since 2012 at 38.6 percent.
Jan 5, 2021
Starting Tuesday
James (ankle) will play and start in Tuesday's game against Memphis, Ryan Ward of LakersDaily.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James has made several appearances on the injury report to begin the season but never has it cost him a game yet. James, who's currently averaging 23.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists, will start his eighth game of the season Tuesday in Memphis.
Jan 4, 2021
Game-time call Tuesday
James is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies due to a left ankle sprain, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James registered a double-double during Sunday's matchup with Memphis, but he appears to have come away with an ankle injury. The Lakers will provide more information on his status closer to tip.
Jan 3, 2021
Registers double-double
James scored 22 points (9-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-3 FT) to go with 13 rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 32 minutes in a 108-94 win over Memphis on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The forward looked sluggish in the opening half, scoring seven points on just six field-goal attempts before intermission. Despite being listed as questionable going into the last few games after tweaking his ankle, James picked it up late, scoring 13 of his points in the fourth quarter alone. The 36-year-old recorded his second double-double of the season, coming just one game after recording his first triple-double of the year Friday.
Jan 3, 2021
Active Sunday
James (ankle) will be available for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James was once again listed as questionable heading into the game, but as expected he'll be in the lineup at his usual spot. The Lakers head into a four-game Week 3, but it's possible James could be rested for one-half of team's back-to-back on Thursday (vs. SAN) and Friday (vs. CHI).
Jan 2, 2021
Questionable again Sunday
James (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as questionable on the injury report due to a sprained left ankle, but he has yet to miss any time. In the three games he's played since spraining his ankle, he's averaging 27.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.7 steals in 35.7 minutes.
Jan 2, 2021
Logs triple-double in 36 minutes
James (ankle) recorded 26 points (8-22 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 11 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals during Friday's win at San Antonio.
ANALYSIS
James had been dealing with a sprained left ankle since the Dec. 22 season opener. However, he hadn't suffered significant setbacks or missed any games from it. James recorded his first triple-double of the season across a healthy 36 minutes. James' averages improved to 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists through six games.
Jan 1, 2021
Playing Friday
James (ankle) will play Friday against the Spurs, Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll reports.
ANALYSIS
James has mild soreness in his ankle but will play through it. In five games this season, he is averaging 23.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 31.2 minutes.
Dec 31, 2020
Questionable for Friday
James (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Spurs, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James will officially be questionable once again while he continues to deal with a sprained left ankle, but he hasn't yet missed any time due to the injury. He led the Lakers in scoring and playing time against the Spurs on Wednesday and didn't appear to be too hindered by the injury. If he'd somehow miss Friday's game, Talen Horton-Tucker or Kyle Kuzma could see increased playing time for Los Angeles.
Dec 30, 2020
Leads Lakers to win on birthday
James (ankle) tallied 26 points (11-23 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-5 FT), five rebounds and eight assists in a win over San Antonio on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
James was a question mark to play in the contest due to a sprained left ankle, but he ended up leading the Lakers with 35 minutes and 26 points. On the day he turned 36 years old, James put together a typically versatile stat line, contributing five boards and eight rebounds while notching one steal and one block. He also set a season low by committing only two turnovers.
Dec 30, 2020
Starting Wednesday
James (ankle) will play in Wednesday's contest against the Spurs, Ryan Ward of Lakers Daily reports.
ANALYSIS
As many expected, James will remain in the starting lineup despite nursing a sprained left ankle. Across the first four games this season, the forward is dropping 22.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per outing.
Dec 29, 2020
Questionable Wednesday
James (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's contest against the Spurs, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James fared well playing through his sprained left ankle against the Trail Blazers on Monday, posting 29 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals in 36 minutes of action. If James were to somehow miss Wednesday's contest however, Talen Horton-Tucker or Kyle Kuzma will presumably garner the starting nod while both seeing increased run. News confirming the four-time NBA MVP's status for Wednesday's contest should at latest surface before warmups.
Dec 29, 2020
Leads LA with 29 points
James scored 29 points (11-20 FG, 3-7 3PT, 4-5 FT) to go with nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, a block, and three turnovers in 36 minutes of Monday's 115-107 loss to Portland.
ANALYSIS
James posted team-highs in points and assists, but it wasn't enough as the full strength Lakers fell to Portland on Monday. James remains one of the top assets in fantasy and should see significant run as the Lakers have no back-to-back games scheduled through the week.
Dec 28, 2020
Good to go
James (ankle) will play in Monday's tilt against the Trail Blazers, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James was considered questionable after tweaking his ankle in Sunday's victory over the Timberwolves. However, it appears the issue is not serious enough to keep him sidelined. Barring any setbacks, look for the future Hall of Famer to take on his usual workload.
Dec 28, 2020
One rebound shy of double-double
James scored 18 points (6-13 FG, 1-5 3PT, 5-7 FT) to go with nine rebounds, five assists, a steal, and four turnovers in 26 minutes of Sunday's 127-91 win over Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
James helped the Lakers get out to an early lead and then coast to the finish of Sunday's blowout win over the Timberwolves. The star veteran finished with the second highest point total on the team, while leading the Lakers with nine rebounds. James could be rested for Monday's game with Portland on the tail end of a back-to-back.
Dec 28, 2020
Questionable vs. Blazers
James (ankle) is considered questionable for Monday's game against the Blazers, Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sports Net reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers will list James as questionable for a third straight game after he sustained a sprained left ankle during the Lakers' opening-night loss to the Clippers. James has played in the two victories since, but there's a chance he could get the night off Monday on the second night of a back-to-back set. James finished Sunday night's blowout of the Timberwolves with 18 points (6-13 FG, 1-5 3PT, 5-7 FT), nine rebounds, five assists and a steal in 26 minutes.
Dec 27, 2020
Available against Minnesota
James (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
James was probable for the first half of the back-to-back set Sunday, and he's officially available for the home game against Minnesota. Barring any setbacks, the 35-year-old is also expected to play in Monday's contest against Portland. James totaled 22 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and one steal over 31 minutes while playing through his left ankle issue Friday.
Dec 27, 2020
Expected to play Sunday and Monday
James (ankle) is expected to play in both halves of the Lakers' back-to-back set Sunday and Monday, Dan Woike of the LA Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James is still nursing the after-effects of the sprained ankle he sustained on opening night against the Clippers, but he did not appear bothered in the Lakers' Christmas Day victory over the Mavs. James remains probable for Sunday's matchup against Minnesota -- Anthony Davis (calf) has been ruled out -- and coach Frank Vogel said he anticipates the four-time MVP playing in Monday's game against Portland, as well.
Dec 26, 2020
Expected to play Sunday
James (ankle) is probable for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
James played through the left ankle issue during the Christmas Day win over the Mavericks and had 22 points (8-18 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT) and added 10 assists, seven rebounds and one steal in 31 minutes. The 35-year-old isn't completely over the injury, but it shouldn't affect his availability for Sunday's contest. However, it's unclear if he'll be available for the second half of the back-to-back set Monday versus Portland.
Dec 26, 2020
Registers Christmas double-double
James scored 22 points (8-18 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT) and added 10 assists, seven rebounds and one steal in 31 minutes of Friday's 138-115 win over Dallas.
ANALYSIS
James came three rebounds shy of a triple-double all while hobbled by a sprained ankle. In the process, the 35-year-old now ranks second all-time in Christmas Day scoring behind only Kobe Bryant. It looks like he'll be fine for Sunday's home showdown against Minnesota.
Dec 25, 2020
Officially starting Friday
James (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Friday's Christmas Day matchup against Dallas, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James said Thursday that he planned to play against the Mavericks despite leaving the team's season opener early due to a sprained ankle. He's officially in the starting five for the Christmas Day matchup along with teammate Anthony Davis. Prior to leaving Tuesday's loss to the Clippers, James recorded 22 points, five rebounds and five assists over 28 minutes.
Dec 24, 2020
Plans on playing Friday
James (ankle) said he plans on playing during Friday's Christmas Day matchup against the Mavericks, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James sat out the final eight minutes of the season-opening loss to the Clippers due to a sprained ankle, but he'll be good to go for Friday's action. Before leaving the game due to injury, James posted 22 points, five rebounds and five assists in 28 minutes.
Dec 23, 2020
Tweaks ankle in season opener
James revealed after Tuesday's 116-109 loss to the Clippers that he turned his ankle "pretty good" during the game, but he said he doesn't expect the injury to affect his status for the Lakers' Christmas Day matchup with the Mavericks, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James was withheld from the final eight minutes of the Lakers' season-opening loss, finishing the night with 22 points (7-17 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 5-7 FT), five rebounds and five assists in 28 minutes. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has hinted that James could be subject to more rest days or lighter minutes loads in 2020-21, but the injury appeared to affect the four-time MVP's playing time Tuesday rather than any pre-planed maintenance. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com, James said he'll receive around-the-clock treatment on the ankle to ensure he's ready for Christmas Day, so he can likely be viewed as probable for the game at this stage.
Dec 23, 2020
Leads team with 22 points
James generated 22 points (7-17 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 5-7 FG), five rebounds and five assists across 28 minutes in Tuesday's 116-109 loss to the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
James and the Lakers looked sluggish out of the gate after receiving their rings in a pre-game ceremony, and they were never able to gain ground against the Lakers until the fourth quarter. Early signs indicate that James may cede valuable assist production in Dennis Schroder's hands, who appeared to play the floor general over several possessions. No one doubts LeBron's enormous production, but losing those assists numbers is a situation worth monitoring.
Dec 19, 2020
Posts 20-8-4 line
James racked up 20 points (6-11 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 5-10 FT), eight rebounds and four assists across 25 minutes in Friday's postseason win over Phoenix.
ANALYSIS
James showed some rust by committing eight turnovers and missing five of 10 shots from the charity stripe, but he nonetheless flashed the versatile skillset that has defined his Hall of Fame career and made him a staple in the first round of fantasy drafts. After playing less than 15 minutes in his preseason debut Wednesday, James was on the court for over half the game in his final tune-up before Tuesday's regular-season opener versus the Clippers. Some load management is to be expected given the abbreviated offseason, but James should again be an excellent source of points, rebounds and assists in his 17th NBA season.
Dec 17, 2020
Scores 11 points against Suns
James had 11 points (4-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-5 FT), two assists, a rebound and a steal during Wednesday's 112-107 preseason win at Phoenix.
ANALYSIS
James missed all four shots he took in the first quarter but slowly made up for them by scoring four straight to begin the second. He then sat out the entire second half, in which his team did enough for the win. James played just 15 minutes of Wednesday's game and will play near that amount in a rematch at Phoenix on Friday.
Dec 15, 2020
Will play Tuesday
James will make his preseason debut Wednesday against the Suns, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
After sitting both matchups against the Clippers over the weekend, both James and Anthony Davis have been cleared to play limited minutes Wednesday night. Per McMenamin, James is only expected to see the floor in the first half, so his upside in DFS contests will be limited.
Dec 13, 2020
Sitting again Sunday
James will not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Clippers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers held James out of Friday's opener against the Clips, and they'll do the same Sunday night in what's ultimately a meaningless exhibition. Anthony Davis will also be held out for rest purposes.
Dec 10, 2020
Won't play Friday
James (rest) will not play in Friday's preseason opener against the Clippers, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will take it easy during the ramp-up to the regular season. We shouldn't be surprised if he sits out many of the team's preseason games given that this is the shortest offseason in NBA history, and it's especially short for the Lakers given that they won the NBA Finals.
Dec 8, 2020
Unlikely to play Friday
James (rest) is unlikely to play in Friday's preseason opener against the Clippers, Bill Oram of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will take it easy during the ramp-up to the regular season and probably won't take the court Friday. We shouldn't be surprised if he sits out all four of the team's preseason games given that this is the shortest offseason in NBA history.
Dec 4, 2020
Preseason availability unclear
Coach Frank Vogel intimated that he doesn't know if James will participate in preseason games, Mark Medina of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Vogel noted that he's worried about both potentially overdoing or underdoing James' ramp-up. Ultimately, it will probably come down to whatever James thinks is best for his body. We shouldn't be shocked if he takes things slow to start the year in the wake of the shortest offseason in NBA history.
Dec 2, 2020
Inks two-year extension
James has agreed to a two-year, $85 million max extension with the Lakers, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James had a $41 million player option for 2021-22, but he and the Lakers have opted to lock in $85 million. James is coming off of his fourth title and at age 35 last season, averaged 25.3 points, a league-high 10.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals.
Oct 12, 2020
Triple-doubles in season finale
James notched 28 points (13-20 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-4 FT), 14 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal in 41 minutes during Sunday's 106-93 win over the Heat in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals.
ANALYSIS
James was unstoppable during the Finals and carried the Lakers to their first title since 2010 while also being named the NBA Finals MVP for the fourth time in his career. The seasoned veteran scored at least 25 points in every Finals game and averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists in the series against the Heat, recording four double-doubles and one triple-double. He also posted five triple-doubles during the postseason run, and he came just one assist away from that feat in three other contests.
Oct 10, 2020
Probable for Game 6
James (groin) is probable for Sunday's Game 6 against the Heat.
ANALYSIS
James continues to show up as probable on the injury report due to a groin injury that's bothered him for much of the playoffs. He's coming off a masterful Game 5, though the Lakers weren't able to secure the win and now only lead 3-2 to a short-handed Heat team. In the series, James is averaging 30.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.2 steals.
Oct 7, 2020
Stuffs stat sheet in win
James had 28 points (8-16 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 10-12 FT), 12 rebounds, eight assists and a steal in 39 minutes during Tuesday's 102-96 win over the Heat in Game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals.
ANALYSIS
James is yet to record a triple-double in the current 2020 NBA Finals, but he has been two assists shy of reaching that feat in each of his last two games. James has also scored at least 25 points in each of his last eight postseason appearances as well, and the star forward continues to be the engine that keeps the Lakers going on both ends of the court. That alone makes him an excellent alternative for DFS formats even if he has an off night from the floor from time to time.
Oct 4, 2020
Struggles in fourth quarter
James had 25 points (9-16 FG, 1-5 3PT, 6-9 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks in Sunday's Game 3 loss to the Heat.
ANALYSIS
While James salvaged a near-triple-double, it was an overall disappointing performance, as he turned the ball over eight times and made several key errors in the fourth quarter. James hit just one of his five attempts from beyond the arc, and he never appeared comfortable attacking the Heat's zone, even when switched onto Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson. Win or lose, James is a threat for a triple-double on any night, but the Lakers will need more from the MVP-runner-up in Game 4 on Tuesday.
Oct 3, 2020
Nears triple-double once again
James delivered 33 points (14-25 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-5 FT), nine rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block in 39 minutes during Friday's 124-114 win over the Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
ANALYSIS
James has flirted with triple-doubles in each of his last five playoff games, reaching that feat twice but averaging 30.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 9.4 dimes per game in that five-game stretch. James has been a fantasy stud across most formats of late and, even though that's not surprising by any means, his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court at age 35 continues to amaze. He has cracked the 25-point plateau while grabbing at least nine boards and dishing out at least eight dimes in each of his last five games.
Oct 1, 2020
Teases triple-double in Game 1 win
James amassed 25 points (9-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 13 rebounds, nine assists and one steal in 36 minutes during Wednesday's 116-98 Game 1 victory over Miami.
ANALYSIS
James was locked in from the opening tip, guiding the Lakers to a comfortable victory Wednesday. Anthony Davis has shouldered the bulk of the scoring in recent times, affording James the opportunity to run the team. The fact that 25 points is viewed as a 'serviceable' scoring night for James, speaks volumes about what we have come to expect from the three-time NBA Champion. Look for him to continue his dominance when the two teams meet again in Game 2 on Friday.
Sep 27, 2020
Posts another triple-double
James exploded for 38 points (15-25 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 16 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal in 40 minutes during Saturday's 117-107 Game 5 win over the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James was dealing with groin and thigh injuries ahead of Game 5, but that wasn't noticeable -- he posted his fourth triple-double of the postseason and second in the last three games while tying his season-best for points in a playoff game. James is averaging 26.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists in 15 playoff contests this season.
Sep 26, 2020
Officially cleared for Game 5
James (groin/thigh) will play during Saturday's Game 5 against the Nuggets, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will play through groin and thigh injuries in Game 5 with the Lakers up 3-1. In the series, he's averaging 24.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.0 blocks in 35.5 minutes.
Sep 25, 2020
Playing through thigh soreness
James will play in Saturday's Game 5 against the Nuggets after being kneed in the thigh during Game 4, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, the injury is minor and won't prevent James from playing in Game 5 with the Lakers up 3-1. In the series, he's averaging 24.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.0 blocks in 35.5 minutes.
Sep 25, 2020
Solid but not spectacular in victory
James ended with 26 points (7-18 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 11-14 FT), nine rebounds and eight assists in 38 minutes during Thursday's 114-108 victory over the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James continues to play through a lingering groin issue but you certainly would not know it based on his statistical production. He came within striking distance of yet another triple-double, helping the Lakers to a 3-1 series lead. It was not the most efficient night for James and he failed to record any defensive numbers. That being said, it was more than enough to scrap out a victory and the Lakers will be looking to wrap things up on Saturday in Game 5.
Sep 24, 2020
Ready to go Thursday
James (groin) will start Thursday's Game 4 against Denver.
ANALYSIS
James has yet to miss time while playing through his groin injury during the postseason. After posting a 30-point triple-double in Game 3, James remains the focal point of the Lakers' offense while occasionally chipping in on the defensive end.
Sep 23, 2020
Probable again
James (groin) is probable for Thursday's Game 4 against the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James continues to show up as probable due to a groin injury, but he hasn't missed any time in the postseason. Through the first three games against Denver, he's averaging 23.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 2.0 combined blocks-plus-steals.
Sep 23, 2020
Triple-doubles in Game 3 loss
James compiled 30 points (14-23 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 assists, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 37 minutes during Tuesday's 114-106 loss to the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James recorded his 26th career playoff triple-double but it wasn't enough as the Lakers fell short in Game 3. He added four defensive stats to what was an outstanding all-around performance, continuing to prove that age is merely a number. Unfortunately, he also turned the ball over six times and and only got to the free throw line twice during the entire game.
Sep 22, 2020
Cleared for Game 3
James (groin) will play in Tuesday's Game 3 against the Nuggets, Melissa Rohlin of Sports Illustrated reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will take the court despite a sore right groin. In the series, he's averaging 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in 33.5 minutes.
Sep 21, 2020
Listed probable for Game 3
James (groin) is listed as probable on the Lakers' injury report ahead of Tuesday's Game 3 against Denver.
ANALYSIS
James continues to nurse a sore right groin, but there's no reason to believe his status is in any jeopardy as Tuesday night approaches. The MVP-runner-up is coming off of a 26-point, 11-rebound, four-assist effort in Sunday's Game 2 victory.
Sep 20, 2020
Goes for 26 and 11 in win
James had 26 points (10-20 FG, 3-8 3PT, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in Sunday's Game 2 win over the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James came out firing with 20 points in the first half, but he cooled off considerably after the break, struggling to assert himself for much of the second half. Down the stretch, James mostly served as a facilitator, as Anthony Davis scored the Lakers' final 10 points. Even so, James put together another strong all-around line, and he registered multiple blocks for the fourth time in his last eight games.
Sep 20, 2020
Will play Game 2
James (groin) will play in Sunday's Game 2 against Denver, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
ANALYSIS
While the Lakers continue to list James as probable for nearly every postseason game, there's been no indication that his status is -- or has been -- in any real jeopardy. The MVP runner-up will start at his usual point guard spot as the Lakers look to take a 2-0 series lead.
Sep 19, 2020
Probable for Game 2
James (groin) is probable for Sunday's Game 2 against the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed as probable and has yet to miss time as a result of the sore right groin. In Game 1, he posted 15 points, 12 assists and six rebounds across 31 minutes in the 126-114 victory.
Sep 18, 2020
Ready to go
James (groin) will play and start in Friday's Game 1 against the Nuggets, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as James was originally given a probable designation due to a lingering groin issue. However, he has been cleared as expected and should take on his usual workload barring any setbacks.
Sep 17, 2020
Probable for Game 1
James is probable for Friday's Game 1 against the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be listed on the injury report due to a sore right groin, but he hasn't missed any time in the playoffs due to the issue. In the postseason, he's averaging 26.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks in 34.3 minutes.
Sep 12, 2020
Carries Lakers to Game 5 win
James registered 29 points (9-18 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block in 31 minutes during Saturday's Game 5 win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James received rest during most of the second half with the game out of Houston's reach, and he could've easily ended with a triple-double had he logged more minutes. James has now scored 25-plus points in three of his last four games and, even though he possesses a unique ability to fill the stat sheet on any given night, his fantasy upside would receive a sizable boost if he continues to score as he did in the series against the Rockets.
Sep 12, 2020
Cleared for Game 5
James (groin) will play in Saturday's Game 5 against the Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will be available for the Lakers in Game 5 with the team up 3-1. In the series, he's averaging 25.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.8 steals in 37.0 minutes.
Sep 11, 2020
Probable for Game 5
James (groin) is probable for Saturday's Game 5 against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
Again, James is listed as probable ahead of a playoff game, and we should expect him to play. In the series, he's averaging 25.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.8 steals in 37.0 minutes.
Sep 11, 2020
Sniffs triple-double in win
James registered 16 points (7-17 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 15 rebounds, nine assists and two steals in 34 minutes during Thursday's Game 4 win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James struggled a bit with his shot, but he still made a huge impact across the board and finished just one dime away from what would've been his third triple-double of the current postseason run. James saw his streak of games scoring at least 20 points snap at six, but he is so influential for the Lakers offense that he doesn't need to score a high amount of points to remain an extremely valuable option across all formats and regardless of the opponent.
Sep 10, 2020
Cleared for Game 4
James (calf) is available for Thursday's Game 4 against the Rockets, Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sportsnet reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will take the court, despite a bruised calf, with the Lakers looking to take a 3-1 series lead. Through the first three games of the series, James is averaging 28.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.7 blocks and 1.7 steals in 38.0 minutes.
Sep 9, 2020
Probable with bruised calf
James is probable for Thursday's Game 4 against the Rockets due to a bruised right calf, Jonathan Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been previously listed on the injury report with a sore groin, so he picked up a new injury in Game 3. Still, we should expect him to play. In the series, he's averaging 28.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.7 blocks and 1.7 steals in 38.0 minutes.
Sep 9, 2020
Explodes for 36 points
James registered 36 points (13-23 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 6-10 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, four blocks and a steal in 38 minutes during Tuesday's Game 3 win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James has seen his assist total decrease in each of the first three games of the series against the Rockets, while seeing his scoring figures increase, meaning he is now taking on a bigger scoring load -- that might have something to do with Rajon Rondo's return from injury as well. James is averaging 28.0 points while shooting 54.5 percent from the field in the first three games of the series against the Rockets, and he has scored 30 or more points in four of his last six playoff contests.
Sep 8, 2020
Cleared for Game 3
James (groin) will play in Tuesday's Game 3 against the Rockets, Craig Ackerman of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James will continue to play through a sore right groin. In the series, he's averaging 24.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks in 38.0 minutes.
Sep 7, 2020
Probable for Game 3
James (groin) is considered probable for Tuesday's Game 3 against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James is once again on the injury report with a sore groin, but there's little reason to believe his status is in any level of jeopardy. The four-time MVP certainly did not look hampered in Sunday's Game 2 victory, which he finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, four steals and two blocks.
Sep 7, 2020
Fills stat sheet in Game 2 win
James registered 28 points (10-17 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 7-10 FT), 11 rebounds, nine assists, four steals and two blocks across 39 minutes during Sunday's Game 2 win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James ended just one assist away from what would've been his third triple-double of the current postseason, a remarkable feat considering he is 35 years old. James has been filling the stat sheet on a nightly basis during the playoffs and, even though the seven turnovers are a worrisome stat, he does more than enough to remain an elite fantasy option across all formats, especially when he's scoring at his rate. He has notched 25-plus points in four of his last five games.
Sep 6, 2020
In starting five
James (groin) will play in Sunday's Game 2 against the Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been listed on the report ahead of most of the Lakers' playoff games, but as expected he'll be available as Los Angeles attempts to even the series.
Sep 5, 2020
Probable for Game 2
James (groin) is probable for Sunday's Game 2 against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James has played through the issue all playoffs, so we shouldn't expect him to miss Game 2. In the Game 1 loss, he recorded 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two blocks in 37 minutes.
Sep 4, 2020
Starting Game 1
James (groin) is starting Game 1 against the Rockets on Friday, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
James was probable heading into Friday's contest, and he'll unsurprisingly start Game 1. Given his usage in the Lakers' first series of the playoffs, it' unlikely that he'll face any restrictions Friday.
Aug 30, 2020
Triple-double in game five
James finished with 36 points (14-19 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), in 34 minutes of a 131-122 win against Portland on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
James recorded his second triple-double of the playoffs as Los Angeles finished off Portland in game five. James has been a consistent force this season for the Lakers, and has carried that level of play into the post-season. He'll now have some time off while he waits to learn his second round opponent.
Aug 29, 2020
Good to go Saturday
James (groin) is starting Saturday's Game 5 against Portland.
ANALYSIS
James was considered probable for Saturday's contest, so it's not much of a surprise he'll be taking the court with the Lakers attempting to close out the series. The 35-year-old is averaging 25.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 32.5 minutes through the first four games versus the Trail Blazers.
Aug 28, 2020
Probable for Game 5
James (groin) is probable for Saturday's Game 5 against the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James continues to pop up on the injury report due to right groin soreness, but it would be surprising if he sat out. In the series, he's averaging 25.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 32.5 minutes.
Aug 28, 2020
Playoffs resuming Saturday
The NBA playoffs will resume Saturday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers and Trail Blazers -- among others -- were on the schedule Friday, but it's ultimately been decided that games will restart Saturday instead.
Aug 26, 2020
Game 5 being boycotted
The Lakers and Trail Blazers are boycotting Wednesday's Game 5, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, the Lakers and Blazers will follow the lead set by the Bucks, Magic, Thunder and Rockets. All six teams have opted to boycott their respective games in the wake of Kenosha, Wisconsin police shooting and paralyzing Jacob Blake, an African-American man.
Aug 26, 2020
Boycott of Game 5 possible
The Lakers and Trail Blazers may boycott Wednesday's Game 5, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The Bucks and Magic were the first teams to boycott their contest, with the Thunder and Rockets following shortly after. The Lakers will be having a team meeting "soon" to discuss the possibility of a boycott of their Game 5 against the Trail Blazers. This comes in the wake of Jacob Blake, an African-American man, being shot and paralyzed by Kenosha, Wisconsin police.
Aug 25, 2020
Probable again for Game 5
James (groin) is considered probable for Wednesday's Game 5 against Portland.
ANALYSIS
James has carried the designation into every playoff game thus far, but there's no reason to believe he won't play Wednesday as the Lakers look to close out the series. James is coming off of another stellar performance in Monday night's Game 4 win, when he tallied 30 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and a block in 28 minutes.
Aug 24, 2020
Dominant in blowout win
James finished Monday's Game 4 win over the Blazers with 30 points (10-12 FG, 4-5 3PT, 6-8 FT), 10 assists and six rebounds in 28 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers' offense finally broke out of a prolonged shooting slump in a major way, and James led all scorers with 30 points on an ultra-efficient 12 shots. Los Angeles shot 56.3 percent from the field as a team, including 43.6 percent from beyond the arc. James nailed four of his five attempts from deep, highlighted by a deep pull-up just before halftime.
Aug 24, 2020
Appears on injury report for Game 4
The Lakers list James as probable for Monday's Game 4 matchup with the Trail Blazers due to a sore right groin.
ANALYSIS
James, Anthony Davis (ankle) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (knee) are listed as probable, but all three players are expected to start and handle normal minutes loads. Through the first three games of the series with Portland, James has averaged 23.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.7 three-pointers and 1.7 steals.
Aug 23, 2020
Nears triple-double
James registered 38 points (11-18 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 12-17 FT), 12 rebounds, eight assists and two steals in 34 minutes during Saturday's 116-108 Game 3 win over the Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James posted pedestrian numbers in Game 2 after playing just 27 minutes, but his numbers increased considerably Saturday after logging more time on the court. LeBron came just two assists away from what would've been his second triple-double of the series and display an excellent shooting touch after making just 13 of his 31 field goals in the first two games of the playoffs.
Aug 22, 2020
Playing Game 3
James (groin) will play during Saturday's Game 3 against the Trail Blazers, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James' status was really never in doubt, and it seems like he's been on the injury report as a formality lately. That said, his play in the bubble has been below expectation, as he's scoring only 20.8 points per game on 44.3 percent shooting from the field.
Aug 22, 2020
Playing Game 3
James (groin) will play during Saturday's Game 3 against the Trail Blazers, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James' status was really never in doubt, and it seems like he's been on the injury report as a formality lately. That said, his play in the bubble has been below expectation, as he's scoring only 20.8 points per game on 44.3 percent shooting from the field.
Aug 21, 2020
Probable Saturday
James (groin) is probable for Saturday's Game 3 against the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
It seems James is being listed on the injury report as a formality at this point, as he's been dealing with a sore groin for a significant amount of time but has played in each of the past five games. He'll look to find his shooting stroke in Game 3, as he's shooting only 41.9 percent from the field in the series.
Aug 21, 2020
Limited minutes in Game 2 win
James notched 10 points (4-11 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven assists, six rebounds and two steals in 27 minutes during Thursday's 111-88 Game 2 win over the Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James struggled with his shot in Game 2, but the main reason why he logged limited minutes was the fact that the Lakers wanted to rest him as much as he could -- the veteran playmaker has been dealing with a groin problem and the coaching staff probably felt it wasn't necessary to have James out there with the Lakers cruising towards a 23-point win. Look for LeBron to log his usual playing time ahead of Saturday's Game 3.
Aug 20, 2020
Starting Thursday
James (groin) is in the starting lineup for Game 2 on Thursday against the Trail Blazers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will remain in the starting five despite nursing soreness in his right groin. In 41 minutes during Game 1, James posted a triple-double of 23 points, 17 rebounds and 16 assists.
Aug 19, 2020
Probable for Game 2
James (groin) is considered probable for Thursday's Game 2 against the Trail Blazers, Jamie Hudson of NBC Sports Northwest reports.
ANALYSIS
There's no reason to believe James' status for Game 2 is in jeopardy, but the Lakers continue to include him on their initial injury reports as he deals with a sore groin. James is coming off of a 23-points, 17-rebound, 16-assist triple-double in Tuesday's Game 1, but it wasn't enough, as the Lakers' horrific shooting led to just 93 points.
Aug 19, 2020
Triple-double in Game 1 loss
James produced 23 points (9-20 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-7 FT, 17 rebounds, 16 assists and a steal across 41 minutes in Tuesday's 100-93 loss to the Trail Blazers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
ANALYSIS
James' heroics weren't enough to save the Lakers, and his first playoff appearance for LA ended in a disappointing loss. If the Lakers' recent string of games is any indication, James is likely to start carrying the team on his shoulders to will playoff victories, which he did countless times with the Heat and the Cavaliers in the playoffs. The team's offense is out of sorts and also appeared unable to neutralize Portland's deadly backcourt. James will try to replicate his stuffed stat line on Saturday in Game 2.
Aug 18, 2020
Cleared for Game 1
James (groin) will play in Tuesday's Game 1 against the Trail Blazers, Jamie Hudson of NBC Sports Northwest reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been a mainstay on the injury report as he struggles with a nagging groin issue, but, as expected, he'll be in the lineup as the Lakers begin their title chase.
Aug 17, 2020
Probable for Game 1 vs. Blazers
James (groin) is listed as probable for Tuesday's Game 1 against the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
James hasn't said much about the groin issue, but he's been a mainstay on the Lakers' injury reports since the team arrived in Orlando. The 35-year-old did not appear overly limited during seeding play, though he did post some uncharacteristically poor shooting numbers -- 44.9% FG, 34.1% 3PT, 65.8% FT -- over his seven appearances. Expect James to play his full complement of minutes Tuesday night.
Aug 13, 2020
Goes for 17 points in 15 minutes
James had 17 points (6-13 FG, 2-5 3PT, 3-3 FT), four assists and three rebounds in Thursday's loss to Sacramento.
ANALYSIS
As was the plan going in, James played only the first half, logging 15 minutes of action. Under James' direction, the Lakers came out strong to score 40 points in the first quarter, but they managed only 16 points in the second, quickly squandering a 10-point advantage. James also turned the ball over three times after committing five turnovers in Monday's win over Denver.
Aug 13, 2020
Playing only first half
James (groin) will play only in the first half of Thursday's game against the Kings, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James will take on a reduced workload in the Lakers' final seeding game. In the second half -- with Anthony Davis (knee), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope(foot), Alex Caruso(neck) and Kyle Kuzma (rest) all out as well -- extended minutes should be available for Quinn Cook, Dion Waiters, J.R. Smith, Markieff Morris and Talen Horton-Tucker.
Aug 12, 2020
Probable for finale
James (groin) is probable for the Lakers' seeding game finale Thursday against the Kings.
ANALYSIS
James continues to power through a sore groin, and it's likely he'll take the court for the Lakers' final game before the playoffs. In the bubble, James is averaging 22.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in 34.5 minutes -- well below his season averages.
Aug 11, 2020
Leads all scorers in win
James scored 29 points (9-21 points, 5-11 3Pt, 6-10 FT), and added one rebound, 12 assists and two blocks in Monday's 124-121 win over the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
James has played his last two games despite a groin issue that had him listed as probable entering each one. In those contests, the 35-year-old totaled 60 points, nine rebounds and 19 assists. Although he seems to have sufficiently recovered, he may get some extra rest in Thursday's game against the Kings as he gets ready for the playoffs.
Aug 9, 2020
Probable Monday
James (groin) is listed as probable for Monday's game against the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
After being forced to miss Thursday's loss to the Rockets due to a groin injury, James returned to action in Saturday's loss to the Pacers with a near triple-double performance. Considering the injury did not seem to affect the MVP candidate too significantly on Saturday, it is not surprising that James has been hit with the probable tag for Monday's contest. However, be sure to monitor the 35-year-old's status as tipoff approaches.
Aug 8, 2020
Scores 31, nears triple-double
James (groin) generated 31 points (13-24 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-6 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists and one block in 35 minutes during Saturday's 116-111 loss to the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James returned to the rotation following a one-game absence with a groin injury and provided one of his trademark stat lines. It's unclear how involved James will be during the team's two final regular season games, so those in daily fantasy leagues will want to be sure that he is in fact suiting up before slotting him into lineups.
Aug 8, 2020
Returning Saturday
James (groin) will return from a one-game absence for Saturday's tilt against the Pacers, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lakers exercised caution with James by holding him out of Thursday's loss to the Rockets. However, his time on the sidelines will be short lived, as he has been cleared to suit up Saturday. The future Hall-of-Famer has averaged 19.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks across 33.5 minutes in four games since the NBA's restart.
Aug 7, 2020
Questionable Saturday
James (groin) is questionable for Saturday's contest against the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
James missed Thursday's game with a sore groin, and it's possible he sits out for a second consecutive contest. If that's the case, look for Kyle Kuzma to see an expanded role once again.
Aug 6, 2020
Out vs. Rockets
James (groin) is out for Thursday's game against the Rockets, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
James hasn't looked quite himself while in the bubble, and it could be stemming from the right groin injury that will keep him on the sidelines Thursday. In his absence, Kyle Kuzma, Markieff Morris, Dion Waiters and others should see extra minutes and take on extra responsibilities within the offense.
Aug 6, 2020
Records double-double in loss
James produced 19 points (7-19 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 5-8 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and a steal across 30 minutes in Friday's 105-86 loss to the Thunder in Orlando.
ANALYSIS
James put up a double-double despite an anemic performance from the offense as they logged their lowest points total of the season. The team looked like the 2018-19 Lakers instead of the squad that leads the Western Conference. The loss can't be blamed on James, however. The entire starting lineup failed to produce, and an ineffective Anthony Davis was in foul trouble for most of the game. DFS players should be aware that we may see less of James as the seeding games continue because the team has little to play for, but it's now a possibility that they'll need to put some more work into fine-tuning their offense when they meet the Rockets on Thursday.
Aug 5, 2020
Available Wednesday
James (groin) will be available for Wednesday's game against OKC.
ANALYSIS
Even with the No. 1 seed locked up, it appears James will play Wednesday as the Lakers continue to tune up for the postseason. The game does come on the first half of a back-to-back set, so it's possible James could be rested for Thursday's showdown against Houston.
Aug 4, 2020
Fills stat sheet against Utah
James registered 22 points (9-16 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine assists, eight rebounds, two steals and one block in 35 minutes during Monday's 116-108 win over the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
James scored at least 20 points for the second straight game, and he continues to be the driving force behind the Lakers offense. The veteran is averaging 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists per contest in three games since the restart.
Aug 3, 2020
Good to go
James (groin) is warming up with the Lakers and appears good to go for Monday's matchup with the Jazz.
ANALYSIS
As expected, James has the green light for Monday's contest. He landed on the team's injury report as probable due to a sore groin, but he will play through it. The veteran super star has gotten off to a relatively slow start since the NBA season restarted and will look to turn that around against the Jazz.
Aug 2, 2020
Expected to play Monday
James is considered probable for Monday's game against Utah.
ANALYSIS
A sore groin has landed James on the injury report once again, but he's expected to be available Monday night as the Lakers play their third of eight seeding games. James is off to a bit of a slow start in Orlando, totaling just 36 points on 13-of-34 shooting through his first two contests.
Aug 2, 2020
Double-doubles in Saturday's loss
James amassed 20 points (7-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists and one block in 35 minutes during Saturday's 107-92 loss to the Raptors.
ANALYSIS
James continues to battle through a minor groin concern but was able to notch 35 minutes of playing time. He topped all scorers for the Lakers as well as heading up the rebound count. It was certainly not his best performance but the fact is he remains a fantasy stud and should be able to put up first-round production as long as he is on the floor.
Aug 1, 2020
Set to play vs. Toronto
James (groin) will play Saturday against the Raptors, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James is still bothered by a nagging groin injury, but it won't prevent him from playing in the second game of the bubble restart. During Thursday's action, James posted 16 points on 19 shots, 11 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block.
Jul 31, 2020
Probable vs. Toronto
James (groin) is probable for Saturday's matchup against the Raptors.
ANALYSIS
James continues to be bothered by a sore right groin. He wasn't able to be efficient during the opener, needing 19 shots to score 16 points, though he still finished with 11 boards, seven assists, one steal and one block in 34 minutes. Chances are, we'll see him take the court Saturday, and he'll try to put on a better scoring effort.
Jul 31, 2020
Nears triple-double Thursday
James ended with 16 points (6-19 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block in 34 minutes during Thursday's 103-101 victory over the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
James took his place in the starting five after overcoming what appeared to be a very minor groin concern. He was somewhat passive early as he looked to get his teammates rolling. However, he stepped up late and helped guide the Lakers to a narrow victory. Much like Anthony Davis, James could be given a night off over the next two weeks with the Lakers now all but assured of the number one seed.
Jul 30, 2020
Available for opener
James (groin) will play in Thursday's game against the Clippers, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as James' inclusion on the injury report was believed to be precautionary all along. The four-time MVP will start at point guard alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, Anthony Davis, and JaVale McGee.
Jul 29, 2020
Probable for opener
James is probable for Thursday's opener against the Clippers due to a sore right groin.
ANALYSIS
This is the first we're hearing of LeBron dealing with groin soreness, but it's not expected to keep him out of the Lakers' opening seeding game. Anthony Davis (eye) is also listed as questionable, but he noted that he's expecting to play. In LeBron's final 10 appearances before the hiatus, he averaged 30.2 points, 9.9 assists, 8.6 rebounds and 1.6 combined steals-plus-blocks.
Jul 25, 2020
Scores 20 in 25 minutes
James registered 20 points (6-15 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 8-10 FT), seven assists and two rebounds in 25 minutes during Saturday's 119-112 win over the Magic.
ANALYSIS
James saw an increased workload in this the team's second scrimmage. He also turned in a well-rounded line in Thursday's matchup versus the Mavericks, posting 12 points (4-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five dimes, three boards and one steal in 15 minutes. It's unclear how much the Lakers will push James during the reseeding games, but regardless he has proven more than capable of producing impressive stat lines even in limited action.
Jul 23, 2020
Playing first half of scrimmage
James will only play in the first half of Thursday's opening scrimmage against the Mavericks, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
It's not too surprising that James' minutes will be limited, as the priority for most teams at this stage seems to be getting players a quick sweat and minimizing injury risk. Anthony Davis will be playing just the first half as well, which should open up minutes for the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Dion Waiters and J.R. Smith.
Jun 3, 2020
Teams to play regular season games
Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 22 teams involved with the NBA's return-to-play plan will play eight regular season games in Orlando prior to the start of the playoffs.
ANALYSIS
The league hasn't formally announced the plan, but Wojnarowski reports that the eight games will be used for seeding purposes. It's still unclear how the league will structure the postseason, but it appears the NBA is prepared for the 2019-20 season to run as late as mid-October, as Wojnarowski previously reported on Tuesday.
Mar 11, 2020
Games suspended until further notice
The NBA announced Wednesday the 2019-20 season has been suspended indefinitely after a player tested positive for COVID-19.
ANALYSIS
In a statement the NBA said the league "is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight's schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic."
Mar 11, 2020
Probable vs. Rockets
James (groin) is probable for Thursday's game against the Rockets, Mark Medina of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
James is still dealing with a sore groin, but he'll likely play Thursday. Across the past five games, he's averaging 30.0 points, 10.6 assists, 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 35.2 minutes.
Mar 10, 2020
Will start Tuesday
James (groin) is starting Tuesday against the Nets.
ANALYSIS
James has been playing through his lingering groin ailment the past five games and Tuesday night will be no different. He's averaged 35 minutes a contest during that stretch so expect a similar workload against the Nets, barring any major setbacks.
Mar 10, 2020
Probable for Tuesday
James is probable for Tuesday's game against the Nets.
ANALYSIS
James previously said he planned to play against the Nets despite a recent groin injury. The probable designation still leaves a little wiggle room, but all signs are that James will play Tuesday night.
Mar 10, 2020
Planning to play vs. Nets
James (groin) said he plans to play in Tuesday's game against Brooklyn, Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
James is still listed as questionable on the official report, but all indications are that the designation is simply precautionary. James was on the floor at shootaround and told reporters that he plans to be in the lineup.
Mar 9, 2020
Questionable Tuesday
James is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the Nets due to a sore left groin, Ryan Ward of Clutch Points reports.
ANALYSIS
James missed last week's victory over the Warriors with the same injury. He has played through it since, but it may have aggravated it in Sunday's victory over the Clippers. His status will presumably depend on how he is feeling closer to tip-off.
Mar 8, 2020
Teases triple-double against Clips
James scored 28 points (7-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 12-14 FT) while adding nine assists, seven rebounds and two blocks in 35 minutes during Sunday's 112-103 win over the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
King James once again rose to the challenge of a tough matchup, posting big numbers against Kawhi Leonard and the Lakers' cross-town rivals one game after he hung 37 points on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. LeBron has been locked in since mid-February, averaging 29.0 points, 9.9 assists, 8.1 boards and 2.4 threes over his last 10 games.
Mar 7, 2020
Explodes for 37
James scored 37 points (12-25 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 12-15 FT), while tacking on eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals Friday, as the Lakers beat the Bucks 113-103.
ANALYSIS
Wisdom prevails. James was the superior MVP-candidate Friday night, outshining Giannis Antetokounmpo and winning their individual duels within the game. Still the league-leader in assists and a fringe top-10 scorer this season, the Lakers are 20-0 in games where James scores 30 points.
Mar 1, 2020
Notches triple-double in victory
James posted 34 points (14-21 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 13 assists, 12 rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes during Sunday's win over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
In the first game of this back-to-back set, James returned from a one-game absence due to a groin issue, and came close to a triple-double, putting up 19 points, 10 assists and eight boards. He didn't miss out on the feat in this one, dropping a monster triple-double against the Pelicans with Anthony Davis (knee) sidelined. With the Lakers firmly in control of the Western Conference's number-one seed at the moment, there's a chance James could see a somewhat lighter workload down the stretch of the season, in an attempt to preserve the 35-year old for a championship run. For now, fantasy owners can just sit back and enjoy the career-high assists and threes James is producing.
Mar 1, 2020
Comes close to triple-double
James notched 19 points (8-18 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block in 34 minutes during Saturday's 105-88 loss at Memphis.
ANALYSIS
LeBron returned from a one-game absence due to a groin problem and while his shot wasn't falling, he still ended just two boards away from a triple-double. James continues to score and distribute the ball at an elite rate, as he averaged 26.0 points and 10.1 assists per game during 10 February games.
Feb 29, 2020
Playing Saturday vs. Grizzlies
James (groin) will play Saturday against the Grizzlies, Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
James is back in action following a one-game absence due to left groin soreness. Across nine February appearances, he's averaging 26.8 points, 10.1 assists and 8.1 rebounds in 35.0 minutes.
Feb 28, 2020
Questionable vs. Grizzlies
James (groin) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
James sat out Thursday's victory over the Warriors due to a sore left groin, but he may be able to make a return Saturday. More information on his status may emerge following the Lakers' morning shootaround.
Feb 26, 2020
Out Thursday due to sore groin
James will sit out Thursday's game against the Warriors due to a sore left groin, Bill Oram of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James emerged from Tuesday's win over the Pelicans with a sore groin, though he still managed to drop 40 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block. More information on his condition may emerge in the coming days, but there's no reason to assume, as of now, that his absence will be more than one game. In his absence, Kyle Kuzma and Markieff Morris are candidates to see extended run, while Rajon Rondo and Alex Caruso could pick up extra responsibilities as playmakers.
Feb 26, 2020
Carries Lakers to win
James scored 40 points (17-27 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), adding on eight rebounds, six assists and a block across 34 minutes Tuesday, as the Lakers beat New Orleans 118-109.
ANALYSIS
James secured his first 40-point game of the season, and subsequently his season-high scoring total. He was not to be overshadowed by the flashiness of Zion Williamson either, as James posterized Jrue Holiday in the third quarter. The Lakers are now 18-0 when James scores 30 or more points.
Feb 23, 2020
Nears triple-double versus Celtics
James managed 29 points (9-19 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 7-12 FT), nine assists and eight rebounds in 35 minutes during Sunday's 114-112 win over the Celtics.
ANALYSIS
James neared a triple-double as per usual and came up big in the clutch to help lead his team to a close win in this one. With the Lakers sporting a significantly better record than any other Western Conference club, it's possible James will eventually see his minutes reduced as the regular season draws closer to the end. Nevertheless, James has rarely been one to take his foot off the gas over the course of his career and will likely continue to provide elite production for fantasy purposes.
Feb 17, 2020
Secures bragging rights once again
James finished with 23 points (9-20 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 19 minutes during Sunday's 157-155 victory over Team Giannis.
ANALYSIS
James guided his team to victory Sunday in what was arguably the most entertaining All-Satr game in recent memory. The new format certainly made things interesting as both teams pushed hard for the win. James has now captained three straight teams since the current selection format was introduced, gaining victory in all three matchups. James is putting together a strong season for the Lakers and has been a solid first-round player despite shooting just 69 percent from the free-throw line. The Lakers are likely to be battling for the number one seed in the Western Conference which should ensure James is on the floor for the majority of the remaining games.
Feb 13, 2020
Big game in OT win
James went for 32 points (15-29 FG, 1-7 3PT, 1-4 FT), 14 assists, and 12 rebounds in Wednesday's overtime win over the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
It was the James and Anthony Davis show for most of the night, with the pair combining for 65 of the Lakers' 120 points. James was as aggressive,offensively, as he's been all season, taking 29 shots and repeatedly getting to the rim in the second half. While he missed what would have been the game-winning shot at the end of regulation, James finished with his 12th double-double on the year.
Feb 11, 2020
Just shy of triple-double
James tallied 17 points (6-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-4 FT), nine assists, eight rebounds and a steal across 30 minutes in Monday's 125-100 win over the Suns.
ANALYSIS
If the Suns had made this a more competitive game, James would have likely passed the triple-double threshold for the 12th time this season. The one-two punch of James and Anthony Davis continues to provide monster fantasy numbers, and a few more rebounds per game would vault James' seasonal averages into triple-double territory.
Feb 9, 2020
Explodes for double-double in win
James provided 22 points (7-17 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 assists, eight rebounds and a steal over 34 minutes during Saturday's 125-120 win over the Warriors.
ANALYSIS
Despite the number of turnovers (seven), James notched another impressive performance that was capped off by a deep three late in the fourth to put the game out of reach for Golden State. The King has been on a tear with complete stat lines, averaging 24.1 points (47.7 percent from the field), 10.6 assists and 8.6 rebounds in his last seven contests. James and the Lakers next play Monday against the Suns, who he dominated for a 31-point triple-double when the team last hosted Phoenix on New Year's Day.
Feb 7, 2020
Collects 15 assists in loss
James contributed 18 points (8-19 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 15 assists, nine rebounds and two steals across 37 minutes in Thursday's 121-111 loss to the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James had trouble getting shots to fall in this matchup, but he was incredibly effective in the secondary categories, as he came just shy of a triple-double for the second straight game. With Houston getting production from everyone in their newe small-ball system, the Rockets may have exposed one of the Lakers' weaknesses, which is an ability to get consistent, quality production beyond James and Anthony Davis. If either player experiences an off-night, the leaders in the Western Conference almost look like cellar-dwellers. Their decision to stand pat at the trade deadline indicated a stamp o approval with their current rotation, but the system depends on James and Davis to keep it running smoothly.
Feb 5, 2020
Sniffs triple-double in win
James poured in 36 points (12-20 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 6-9 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal in 34 minutes during Tuesday's 129-102 win over the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
LeBron supplied his second-highest scoring output of the season when the Lakers needed him the most, as he scored 19 of his points in the fourth quarter while carrying the team offensively. James has two triple-doubles over his last five outings and has been a stat-stuffing machine of late, as he is averaging 25.8 points, 9.6 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game during that stretch.
Feb 1, 2020
Supplies 22 after heartfelt tribute
James posted 22 points (9-22 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 1-4 FT), 10 assists, eight rebounds and a blocked shot across 38 minutes in Friday's 127-119 loss to the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
Donned with Kobe Bryant's low-tops and signature wristbands, James was visibly shaken with grief during the emotionally-charged memorium before Friday's game, and James concluded the tribute with an emotional four-minute speech. James shined at times during the contest, but the emotion of the evening proved to be a liability for him on the court. In typical fashion, he attempted to will his team back into contention in the fourth quarter, but the Trail Blazers retained the lead thanks to a red-hot Damian Lillard. The Lakers will dedicate the season to Kobe's memory, and James will do all he can do channel the Mamba mentality and will the Lakers to a championship.
Jan 27, 2020
Tuesday's game postponed
In the wake of the death of Kobe Bryant, the NBA has postponed Tuesday's game between the Lakers and Clippers.
ANALYSIS
For the most part, the NBA will continue to go forth with its regular schedule, but given the impact of Bryant on the city of Los Angeles, Tuesday's game will be postponed. Per an official league release, the game will be rescheduled at a later date. The Lakers will resume play Friday, when they host the Trail Blazers.
Jan 26, 2020
Third on all-time scoring list
James collected 29 points (9-18 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 10-13 FT), eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal in 35 minutes during Saturday's 108-91 loss to the 76ers.
ANALYSIS
James surpassed Kobe Bryant on the all-time scoring list, moving into third behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. James did commit eight turnovers, but he earned no shortage of trips to the charity stripe, which is one area he has been relatively lacking in for the most part here in 2019-20. With a couple days to rest and recover prior to Tuesday's matchup versus the Clippers, James will likely look to make a statement against Kawhi Leonard and company.
Jan 23, 2020
Drops triple-double in victory
James posted 27 points (11-19 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and one block in 34 minutes during Thursday's 128-113 win over the Nets.
ANALYSIS
James had posted a triple-double in nine games this season, and added another to that list in this victory. He's also leaving his previous career-high assists in the dust. Putting up 10.8 assists per game prior to this one, the closest he's ever been to that mark was when he contributed 9.1 per game back in the 2017-18 season. He had 17 points, seven assists and six boards by half-time of this game, so it's not surprising to see that he reached the triple-double threshold. Both James and his superstar running mate, Anthony Davis, have produced first-round value this season, leading the Lakers to the Western Conference's number-one spot. The only thing that can slow James down now is potential rest days down the stretch if the team gets comfortable with their lead.
Jan 22, 2020
Five swipes in strong showing
James recorded 21 points (9-16 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-3 FT) six rebounds, five assists and five steals in 36 minutes Wednesday night as the Lakers beat the Knicks 100-92.
ANALYSIS
The five steals were a season-high and james could've been in store for a monster night had his teammates knocked down shots (other Laker starters not named Anthony Davis were a combined 6-of-19). James may start to get load management sprinkled into his schedule, but remain a model of excellence.
Jan 20, 2020
Double-double in loss
James had 15 points (5-12 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-5 FT), seven boards and 13 assists in 29 minutes of a 139-107 loss against the Celtics on Monday.
ANALYSIS
James notched his third consecutive double-double with 13 assists in the contest. James has maintained his solid scoring output while posting a career best assist rate in his second season as a Laker has brought increased distributing responsibilities. He'll next face the Knicks on Wednesday.
Jan 19, 2020
Dishes out 12 dimes
James had 31 points (13-25 FG, 2-7 3PT, 3-5 FT), 12 assists, five rebounds and two steals in 35 minutes during Saturday's 124-115 win over the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
James has taken on a bigger role offensively due to the absence of Anthony Davis (back), and he has scored 30 or more points in four of his last five games. He is averaging 10.2 assists per game during that stretch, and he continues to pace the league in assists per game with 10.9.
Jan 14, 2020
Dominates in return
James ended with 31 points (12-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), eight assists, two rebounds and one steal in 33 minutes during Monday's 128-99 victory over the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
James was back on the court after missing the previous game due to illness but picked right up where he left off. The Cavaliers kept this one interesting up until midway through the third quarter, ensuring James played decent minutes despite the eventual blowout. James has looked fantastic this season and his recent comments regarding load management certainly bode well for those invested in the 35-year-old.
Jan 13, 2020
Will play
James (illness) has been cleared to return Monday night against the Cavaliers, Mark Medina of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
As anticipated, James will be ready for Monday's matchup after missing Saturday's matchup with an illness. He's put up 30 or more points in three of his last five games.
Jan 12, 2020
Likely to return Monday
James (illness) is listed as probable for Monday's game against Cleveland.
ANALYSIS
James should return after missing just one-game with flu-like symptoms after having played with them for much of the week. The 35-year-old is averaging 24 points and 9.8 rebounds over the eight games since his last day off Dec. 22.
Jan 11, 2020
Out sick Saturday
James will miss Saturday's game against the Thunder due to an illness, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
James has been battling an illness all week, but has ultimately played through it. Seeing it is the second half of a back-to-back set, the Lakers likely see this as an optimal spot for him to rest and recover in order to ensure his health going forward. His absence should free up extra usage opportunities for everyone, but Rajon Rondo is the likely candidate to replace him at point guard.
Jan 11, 2020
Posts huge double-double
James accumulated 35 points (14-25 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 16 rebounds, seven assists and one steal during Friday's 129-114 victory over the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
James has kicked off the month of January by posting at least 30 points in three of the first five contests and averaging a triple-double with 27.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 10.0 assists and 1.4 steals. Friday's performance also, surprisingly, marked the first time in James' career that he's posted at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in a regular-season game.
Jan 10, 2020
Officially cleared
James (illness) has been cleared to play Friday against the Mavericks, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
As anticipated, James will be ready to take the court despite battling an illness. He's expected to take on his typical workload Friday evening. The veteran superstar is averaging 22.6 points, 11.2 assists and 9.2 boards over his last five games.
Jan 9, 2020
Expects to play Friday
James (illness) is considered probable for Friday's game against the Mavs, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James was still limited at practice Thursday, but he appears to be trending in the right direction. The four-time MVP played through the illness Tuesday night against the Knicks, finishing with 31 points in 31 minutes.
Dec 29, 2019
Will play vs. Mavs
James (groin) has been cleared to play Sunday against Dallas, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
James carried a probable tag into the day, and, as expected, he'll be in the starting lineup Sunday, despite a sore groin. James played 37 minutes in Saturday night's win over Portland, finishing with 21 points, 16 assists and seven rebounds.
Dec 21, 2019
Doubtful Sunday vs. Nuggets
James is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Nuggets due to a thoracic muscle strain, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports. Mike Trudell of the Lakers' official site notes that James suffered the injury during Tuesday's loss to Indiana and he played through it against Milwaukee on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
While there's a chance James takes the court, he'll most likely miss his first game of the season Sunday. Assuming he's out, Anthony Davis should take on a bigger role, and guards like Rajon Rondo and Alex Caruso could handle the ball more.
Dec 15, 2019
Will play Sunday
James (elbow) will suit up for Sunday's game against the Hawks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
James was in danger of missing his first contest of the season but will be active. The Lakers are off to a scorching hot 23-3 start with James being a big part of the equation averaging 25.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 10.8 assists in his 17th season. He will look to take advantage of a Hawks team that has lost 17 of their last 20 games.
Dec 14, 2019
Questionable Sunday
James is questionable for Sunday's game against the Hawks due to right elbow soreness.
ANALYSIS
James has emerged from Friday's victory over the Heat with a sore right elbow, and he could miss his first game of the season Sunday. More information should arrive following the Lakers' morning shootaround or pregame warmups. If James ends up sidelined, Quinn Cook, Rajon Rondo and Alex Caruso could be asked to take on more ballhandling duties.