Is LeBron James vs Warriors playing? Lakers reveal final injury report

On By Littum

Will 21-time All-Star Los Angeles Lakers Power Forward LeBron James suit up against the Golden State Warriors?

That’s the question on everyone’s mind ahead of LA’s second tilt against another mediocre Pacific Division club, as the 6-foot-9 superstar had been considered only likely to play through the left foot injury he’s been dealing with for months now, per . The NBA’s latest injury report.

Ahead of the game, James was officially cleared to play for the Lakers.

The durable 40-year-old has rarely missed time this season. James has been available for 39 of the Lakers’ 42 games so far this year. After battling health issues in four of his first five seasons with Los Angeles, the four-time league MVP has been impressively available of late. Since the start of the 2023–24 NBA season, James has appeared in a total of 110 of LA’s 124 potential season contests and 116 of LA’s 130 cumulative games, including fall season games.

Elsewhere on the Lakers’ injury report, James’ son, rookie guard Bronny, remains with the Lakers’ NBA affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, after a career-best 31-point night Friday.

Point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain) and center/power forward Christian Wood (left knee surgery) Recovery) remain on the shelf.

More Lakers: Lakers predicted to ditch Austin Reaves for $163 million star guard

The biggest health development for the Lakers, however, is the return of Power Forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who is back for the first time this year after offseason surgery.

Read more: Lakers Star Forward Jarred Vanderbilt Medically Cleared to Play, Season Debut Revealed

For Golden State, former Defensive Player of the Year Power Forward Draymond Green, a longtime teammate of James’ after five postseason meetings (including four straight Finals meetings), is unavailable due to a left calf strain.

At 24-18 and riding a two-game winning streak, the Lakers are currently the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference—just three games better than the No. 11-seeded Golden State Warriors (22-22). The fortunes of these two aging former Champions aren’t really that different, even if their relative position in the West is. Ultimately, Los Angeles is one losing streak away from being right where Golden State is right now: out of the play-in race.

In his 39 healthy bouts, James is averaging 23.6 points on .511/.394/.765 shooting splits, 8.9 dimes and 7.7 boards a night.

More Lakers:

Lakers’ LeBron James Named All-Star Starter, Makes NBA Record 21st Team

Anthony Davis demands Los Angeles trade for ‘another big’

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers News and Notes, stay tuned Lakers on SI.