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  • LeBron James: Roster build forces Lakers to play perfectly or lose


    JJ Redick, on multiple occasions this season, has spoken about his belief in being process-oriented. It’s a necessary tool for any athlete, and especially one who earned his NBA fortune as a shooter while missing more threes than he made. If, Redick has said, he knew he was putting in the right kind of work, he could be at peace with the result after the ball left his hand.

    He reiterated it before the Lakers played the Clippers on Sunday, and in the aftermath of their lopsided 116-102 loss at the Intuit Dome, he mentioned it again.

    “Every time we made a mistake they made us pay. But our guys competed. We fought. We stayed together,” the Lakers coach said after the loss. “This is for us, this was a good process for us. We didn’t get the result we wanted.”

    But that message isn’t resonating inside a locker room that had grown frustrated with the Lakers’ inconsistencies, with LeBron James saying the team’s roster construction is the reason for its razor-thin margin for error.

    Asked if there were ways for the Lakers to increase those margins, internally, James was blunt.

    “Nah,” he said. “That’s how our team is constructed. We don’t have room for error — for much error.”

    In a follow-up, James was asked if the Lakers had to play near-perfect basketball most nights to win. And again, James basically said the roster flaws demanded it.

    “We don’t have a choice,” James said. “I mean… that’s the way our team is constructed. And we have to, we have to play close-to-perfect basketball.”

    James’ comments maybe could’ve been written off as frustration after the Lakers lost for the fourth time in their last six games, but Redick also was being realistic about the team’s chances each time it plays. Asked about a stretch of schedule that saw the Lakers in Los Angeles for 10 of 12 games (the Lakers are currently 5-5 during it), it was hard to tell if he was being optimistic or fatalistic.

    “You can certainly look at a calendar and say this is an easier part of the schedule or this is a more difficult part. Nothing is going to be easy for our team. And I figured that out very early in the season,” Redick said before shifting tone. “And that’s OK. We’re going to keep fighting. … We have 18 losses, so by the loss column, we’re sixth. We would like to be higher. I think there’s a couple games where we would all say we should have won. We haven’t had any of those games where you’re like, ‘Well, we kind of stole that one.’ We’re going to get a couple back at some point. We just got to continue to trust each other and we’ll be fine.”

    The numbers, Redick said, are the numbers. Despite being 22-18, the Lakers have a negative point differential — and not a particularly close one. At minus-2.6 points, only Utah, New Orleans and Portland have been worse.

    “We don’t have a huge margin for error. Nor can we create that margin organically,” Redick said. “It has to be emphasized daily to touch the paint, to play paint-to-great mentality, make the extra pass. We don’t have a guy on our team that’s going to necessarily always draw two to the ball. We don’t have a guy on our team that’s going to be able to get past his guy one-on-one and get to the paint and spread it out to the perimeter.

    “Like, that’s just not our team. So we have to do it through connectivity, through execution. And when we do that, we’re really good.”

    And when the Lakers don’t?

    They end up in a mood like they were Sunday night, asking themselves the big questions that have kept them, in the words of one longtime NBA scout who watched the Lakers this week, “stuck.”



    LeBron James: Roster build forces Lakers to play perfectly or lose

    The Los Angeles Lakers have put together a star-studded roster around LeBron James, but the pressure is on for them to perform at a high level every game. With the likes of Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony alongside LeBron, the expectations are sky-high for this team.

    However, the roster build has left the Lakers with little room for error. The team is filled with aging veterans who may not have the same level of energy and athleticism they once did. This means that the Lakers will need to play a near-perfect game every night in order to secure wins.

    The margin for error is slim for the Lakers, as any slip-up could result in a loss. With so much talent on the team, the pressure is on LeBron James to lead his squad and ensure they are playing at their best every game.

    It will be interesting to see how the Lakers handle this pressure and if they are able to rise to the occasion. LeBron James is no stranger to carrying a team on his back, but this roster build may be his toughest challenge yet. Only time will tell if the Lakers can live up to the high expectations set for them.

    Tags:

    LeBron James, Lakers, NBA, basketball, roster build, team dynamics, championship aspirations, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James leadership, NBA playoffs, basketball strategy, team chemistry, sports analysis, Lakers roster analysis, NBA news.

    #LeBron #James #Roster #build #forces #Lakers #play #perfectly #lose

  • Lakers’ LeBron James airs frustration over slim margin for error: ‘We have to play close to perfect’


    The Los Angeles Lakers‘ first trip to the Los Angeles Clippers‘ new arena, the Intuit Dome, did not go well. They lost to their L.A. rivals, 116-102, on Sunday night. The defeat prompted some interesting comments from LeBron James and coach JJ Redick. 

    “We don’t have a huge margin for error,” Redick admitted during his postgame press conference. “It has to be emphasized daily to touch the paint, to play paint-to-great mentality, make the extra pass. We don’t have a guy on our team that’s going to necessarily always draw two to the ball. We don’t have a guy on our team that’s going to be able to get past his guy one-on-one and get to the paint and spread it out to the perimeter. Like, that’s just not our team. So we have to do it through connectivity, through execution. And when we do that, we’re really good.”

    Indeed, the Lakers are 27th in the league in drives per game (37.9) and 23rd in catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts (24.6), on which they’re shooting 35.8%, which ranks 24th. Overall, they’re 27th in 3-point attempts (33.8) and 19th in percentage (35.3). They don’t get up-and-down the floor either, and sit in 23rd in pace (98.26). 

    Instead, they get the ball inside through post-ups, where they’re seventh in the league at 7.1 per game, and having the big man dive to the rim on pick-and-rolls. Their 8.1 “roll man” possessions per game are tied for third. And only the Philadelphia 76ers rely more heavily on getting to the line than the Lakers, who boast a .272 free throw rate. 

    Playing slow and relying so heavily on free throws and paint scoring is how you end up with games like the one against the Clippers where the Lakers actually shot 50% from the field, but still only managed 102 points and lost by double digits. 

    “That’s how our team is constructed,” James said when asked about Redick’s remark. “We don’t have room for error — for much error.”

    “We don’t have a choice,” James continued. “I mean… that’s the way our team is constructed. And we have to, we have to play close-to-perfect basketball.” 

    But for all the questions about the Lakers’ offensive personnel and approach, their defense has been the much bigger issue. 

    They got carved up by the Clippers in Sunday’s defeat and are now 24th in the league in defensive rating (115.7). That is by far the worst mark among teams currently occupying a top-six spot in either conference and the only teams worse than them are all playing Capture the (Cooper) Flagg. 

    James’ comments can certainly be read as a plea to the front office to make some more moves. But after sending D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, the Lakers have lost some of their flexibility on that front. Plus, given James’ age and the fact that they aren’t an inner-circle contender, giving up any of their future first-round picks may not be wise. 

    Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha said on Saturday that he’s been hearing that things are “trending more toward them making a smaller move” ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. 

    Barring a surprise blockbuster over the next few weeks, the Lakers’ roster is going to remain imperfect, and they’ll have to continue trying to play “close-to-perfect basketball” — not an easy task in the highly competitive Western Conference. While they’re currently in sixth, they’re just 1.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Golden State Warriors. 





    The Los Angeles Lakers’ star player LeBron James recently expressed his frustration over the team’s slim margin for error in the upcoming games. In a post-game interview, James emphasized the need for the team to play close to perfect in order to secure wins in the highly competitive Western Conference.

    “We have to play close to perfect every night, there’s no room for error in this league,” James stated. “We’re facing tough competition and every game matters. We need to stay focused and bring our A-game every time we step on the court.”

    The Lakers are currently fighting for a playoff spot and with the level of competition in the West, every game is crucial. James knows that in order to succeed, the team must be at their best and minimize mistakes.

    As one of the leaders of the team, James is setting a high standard for himself and his teammates. The pressure is on for the Lakers to perform at their best and secure wins in the highly competitive Western Conference.

    Fans can expect to see a determined and focused Lakers team as they strive to meet the high expectations set by their superstar leader, LeBron James.

    Tags:

    LeBron James, Lakers, frustration, slim margin for error, play close to perfect, NBA, basketball, sports, athlete, Los Angeles Lakers, pressure, competition, challenge

    #Lakers #LeBron #James #airs #frustration #slim #margin #error #play #close #perfect

  • Lakers need to choose a clear path as clocks ticks down on LeBron James era


    LOS ANGELES — With the NBA’s trade deadline fast approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers have 17 days to determine the organization’s direction as the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era winds down.

    As things stand, the Lakers are 22-18 and No. 6 in the Western Conference. They have dominated teams below .500 (11-1) but have struggled against teams that are .500 or better (11-17 — the worst mark among the Western Conference’s 10 current playoff/Play-In teams). The Lakers are on pace to win 45 games, but their expected win total is 36 wins, a notable nine-win difference, per Cleaning the Glass.

    Those statistics suggest this is an average-ish team enjoying slightly above-average results. That’s concerning for a group that entered the season believing it could win a title. And with the clock ticking on James’ legendary career — the operating assumption around the league is that he’ll play just one more season — an average group isn’t good enough.

    James suggested as much when asked how this group could give itself more “margin for error,” after the Lakers’ recent loss to the Clippers.

    “Nah,” James said about the group trying to make things easier for themselves. “That’s how our team is constructed. We don’t have room for error — for much error.”

    James doubled down on his not-so-subtle sentiment about the quality of the Lakers’ roster when asked a follow-up question.

    “We don’t have a choice,” James said of the mental demands of having no margin for error on a nightly basis. “I mean, that’s the way our team is constructed. And we have to play close-to-perfect basketball.”

    After sitting out three trade cycles — the 2023 offseason, the 2024 trade deadline and the 2024 offseason — the Lakers made a win-now trade for Dorian Finney-Smith on Dec. 29, adding a 40-plus-percent 3-point shooter and versatile, tough frontcourt defender for the cost of D’Angelo Russell and three second-round picks. Since joining the team, Finney-Smith has led the group in plus-minus, fitting in well around James and Davis as a seasoned role player with deep playoff experience.

    But for as shrewd of a move as the Finney-Smith trade was, it wasn’t the type of all-in deal the Lakers need to vault into legitimate championship contention. The trade was supposed to be a precursor to another move or two — and still might be.

    The Lakers are at a crossroads with the Feb 6. trade deadline rapidly approaching. They can take one of three general approaches: 1) Use first-round draft capital and their (relatively) expendable contracts to significantly upgrade the roster and try to make a serious run this season and next season; 2) stand pat, or make a smaller move with their remaining second-round picks, all but assuring that they’ll lose in the first or second round of the playoffs; or 3) tear the roster down and rebuild by trading James and Davis for as many picks and young players as possible.

    As The Athletic reported after the Finney-Smith trade, the Lakers remain active on the trade market in pursuit of upgrades, according to team and league sources. They continue to evaluate their roster and are cautiously optimistic that Jarred Vanderbilt’s looming return will give them clarity as to which positions and skills they need most. With just over two weeks remaining until the deadline, though, it’s time to assess whether this group is running out of time.

    The sense around the league, when talking to rival scouts and front-office personnel, is that standing pat or making a half-measure trade (likely one or two second-round picks) is more likely than the Lakers going all-in and trading both of their future first-round picks that can be moved. That’s dependent, of course, on the available players, asking prices and the team’s performance through the deadline.

    The logic is that when examining the crop of players expected to be available at the deadline, there is no panacea for the Lakers. They have three notable needs they have to address to become a contender: better two-way wings, especially defensively, a better backup center, capable of protecting the rim and rebounding, and another ballhandler and playmaker to help James and Austin Reaves when one is off the floor.

    There are potential trades that could check up to two of those boxes, but addressing all three needs is almost impossible without making two separate trades (or expanding to a three-team deal). And even then, there are several limiting factors, like the Lakers’ draft capital (up to two first-round picks, two second-round picks and three pick swaps) and their underwhelming mid-sized salaries (Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt).

    Around the league, the expectation is the Lakers will prioritize adding either a big or another ballhandler, assuming Vanderbilt’s return goes well and considering the lack of available two-way wings in Los Angeles’ price and asset range.

    Given the production from Davis and James this season, and their pedigree together in the playoffs, it’s reasonable to argue that the Lakers have a shot to make another run in the Western Conference playoffs with the right trade (or trades) at the deadline. The recent market price for role players has dipped during this trade cycle (a first-round pick has yet to be exchanged), and with two first-round picks, the Lakers are well-positioned to improve their rotation if they so choose.

    Outside of the juggernaut that is the Oklahoma City Thunder as well as the Denver Nuggets, a long-time tormentor, the Lakers have fared well against the rest of the conference over the past two seasons. There isn’t another team that strikes fear in them (even the Thunder, for as great as they are, have struggled with the force and physicality of Davis and James over the past two seasons).

    At the same time, one has to consider the point of making alterations to what appears to be an average team. The Lakers are just 4-5 since the Finney-Smith trade, ranking 17th in offensive rating, 26th in defensive rating and 25th in net rating.

    For the season, their net rating (-2.9) and point differential (-2.6) are both alarming, as is their record against above-.500 teams (and, more specifically, their 2-7 record against teams with better records than them). If the Lakers deem this group not good enough to keep investing in and decide to stand pat or trade it away, they would have statistical and anecdotal proof in their favor. There isn’t much point in being the seventh seed and having a competitive first-round loss again. And that’s why the Lakers are in such a tricky position over the next two-plus weeks.

    They have tried to walk a delicate and ambitious path, aiming to build a competitive team in the present around James and Davis, while also prioritizing the post-James future by valuing their first-round picks and some of their younger core players like Reaves, Max Christie and Dalton Knecht. The predicament is that, as things stand, they aren’t good enough to truly contend for a championship and also aren’t stocked with promising young players and draft assets for the post-James tomorrow either. Given the Lakers’ reality, it is tough to justify a half-measure.

    For what it’s worth, taking the all-in approach has long been the preferred path of James and Davis. James supported the Lakers’ interest in Kyrie Irving, Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine in previous seasons, and has never valued draft picks.

    Adding such a player will be difficult, though. Even if the Lakers wanted to, say, take a giant swing for Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram or LaVine, it’s hard for them to match salaries (and they don’t have enough assets to win a bidding war). As a first-apron team, they can’t take back more money than they send out. And after trading Russell’s $18.7 million expiring contract for Finney-Smith, shedding salary in the process, they no longer have a midsized expiring contract to dangle in trade talks. That makes a trade for a role player on a more modest salary far more likely than adding another star.

    Furthermore, Reaves’ emergence as a legitimate third option — he’s averaging 20.4 points and 7.3 assists per game since the Finney-Smith/Russell trade — has made the Lakers’ prior need for a third star/option superfluous. The more pragmatic approach is finding the best players available, especially ones with two-way abilities, who can check the aforementioned boxes of another wing, a better backup center and another ballhandler/playmaker.

    Rebuilding is the least likely option, if not entirely off the table. The Lakers pride themselves on being a star-friendly franchise, and there have been no indications that James or Davis want to leave. Trading them away, even to better situations from a contention standpoint, is against the organization’s ethos.

    There is no obvious solution for the Lakers. There are fair arguments for any of their potential paths. But one thing is clear: It’s time to pick a direction.

    (Photo of LeBron James: Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images)



    As the clock continues to tick down on LeBron James’ career, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads. With the team struggling to find consistent success and facing a plethora of injuries, it’s clear that changes need to be made.

    One of the biggest decisions that the Lakers need to make is choosing a clear path forward. Will they continue to try and build around LeBron, hoping to squeeze out a few more successful seasons? Or will they shift their focus to developing their young core and planning for a post-LeBron future?

    The Lakers have a talented roster, with players like Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Talen Horton-Tucker, but they have yet to find the right mix that can consistently compete at a high level. With LeBron’s window of dominance closing, it’s more important than ever for the Lakers to make the right moves to set themselves up for success in the future.

    As the pressure mounts and the clock ticks down on LeBron’s era in Los Angeles, the Lakers must make a decision on which path they will take. Will they continue to chase championships with LeBron at the helm, or will they pivot towards a more sustainable long-term plan? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the Lakers need to choose a clear path before it’s too late.

    Tags:

    1. Los Angeles Lakers
    2. LeBron James era
    3. NBA
    4. Basketball
    5. Team management
    6. Sports
    7. Decision making
    8. Legacy
    9. Championship aspirations
    10. Player evaluation

    #Lakers #choose #clear #path #clocks #ticks #LeBron #James #era

  • Lakers’ LeBron James, Bronny James reportedly turned down Skills Challenge invite


    LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, turned down the chance to make history again. The two declined to compete in the 2025 Kia Skills Challenge at NBA All-Star weekend, according to league insider Chris Haynes. They would’ve been the first father-son duo to compete in the Skills Challenge.

    The report also noted that the younger James did not accept an invitation to join the Rising Stars team as a G League player. San Francisco, home of the Golden State Warriors, will host this year’s NBA All-Star weekend.

    ‘It was a special moment’ — Magic Johnson shares his thoughts on LeBron & Bronny James playing together for the first time

    The Jameses first made history in the Lakers’ season opener, the first time that a father and son played together in the same NBA game.

    Los Angeles selected Bronny James with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of USC. He has appeared in 11 NBA games this season, averaging just 2.3 minutes. He has been up and down between the Los Angeles Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. 

    [Related: Everything to know about the 2025 NBA All-Star Game]

    In seven G League games, the younger James has played 26.9 minutes per contest and averaged 13.4 points, 3.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 36.6/21.2/66.7.

    Meanwhile, the 40-year-old James is averaging 23.7 points, 9.0 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 51.3/39.8/76.3. He was named an All-Star for a record 21st time Thursday. 

    The Lakers entered their Thursday night matchup against the Boston Celtics at 23-18, good for the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

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    According to recent reports, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, have both declined invitations to participate in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge.

    While LeBron has previously participated in the event and has showcased his impressive dribbling and passing skills, it seems that he has chosen to focus on resting and preparing for the second half of the NBA season.

    As for Bronny, the talented high school basketball player has decided to prioritize his high school team and upcoming games over participating in the Skills Challenge.

    Although fans would have loved to see the father-son duo compete in the event, it’s understandable that they have chosen to prioritize other commitments. We can only hope to see them showcase their skills on the court in other ways in the future.

    Tags:

    LeBron James, Bronny James, Lakers, Skills Challenge, NBA, basketball, father-son duo, basketball skills, sports news, LeBron James Jr., family bond, basketball competition

    #Lakers #LeBron #James #Bronny #James #reportedly #turned #Skills #Challenge #invite

  • LeBron, Bronny James turn down chance to compete together at 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, per report


    There will be no on-court father-son moment between LeBron James and Bronny James at NBA All-Star Weekend this year. LeBron and Bronny were extended an invite to compete in the Skills Challenge, but the father-son Lakers pair declined, according to Chris Haynes. Bronny also received an invite to be one of the G League players to compete in the Rising Stars Challenge, to which he also turned down.

    It’s unclear why the James duo declined to participate, but had they accepted they would’e been the first father-son duo to compete in the Skills Challenge, which is set to be part of All-Star Saturday Night festivities on Feb. 15.

    LeBron has never competed in an event on All-Star Saturday Night, despite the many public pleas from fans and media members alike for him to participate in the dunk contest. He toyed with the idea early on in his career, most notably saying in 2009 that he was “preliminarily putting [his] name in the 2010 dunk contest.” That never happened, and in 2023 LeBron revealed that it was “never something [he] wanted to accomplish” in his career.

    Not only will we presumably never see LeBron in the dunk contest, but with this declined invitation of the Skills Challenge, he’ll likely retire without us ever seeing him compete in any of the All-Star events on Saturday night.

    For Bronny, it’s rather surprising that he wouldn’t take up the offer for at least the Rising Stars Challenge, especially given the revamped format could’ve given us a potential father-son matchup during the All-Star Game. The league announced a complete overhaul in how the All-Star Game will work, where the 24 All-Stars will be split into three, eight-player teams. They’ll play a mini tournament that will also feature the winning team from the Rising Stars Challenge. 

    Had Bronny been part of the winning Rising Stars team, and if LeBron’s All-Star team won as well, they could’ve faced off in a championship game. That would’ve certainly been must-watch television. Sadly, though, it appears as though we’ll be deprived of that entertainment.

    LeBron and Bronny made NBA history by sharing the court together in the Lakers season opener against the Timberwolves in October, becoming the league’s first father-son duo to play together. Bronny, a second-round pick in last June’s NBA Draft, has played in 11 games for the Lakers so far this season, scoring four points while making just one of his 10 field-goal attempts. Bronny has averaged 14.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate.





    LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, have reportedly turned down the chance to compete together at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend. According to sources, both father and son decided that they wanted to focus on their individual careers and not overshadow each other.

    Despite the excitement and anticipation surrounding the potential matchup between the two basketball phenoms, LeBron and Bronny ultimately felt that it was best for them to continue pursuing their own paths in the NBA.

    Fans may be disappointed by this news, but it is clear that both LeBron and Bronny have their sights set on achieving greatness in their own right. It will be interesting to see how their careers unfold in the years to come.

    Tags:

    LeBron James, Bronny James, NBA All-Star Weekend, 2025 All-Star Game, father-son duo, basketball news, sports update, family decision, basketball stars, NBA rumors

    #LeBron #Bronny #James #turn #chance #compete #NBA #AllStar #Weekend #report

  • Will LeBron James play tonight against the Boston Celtics? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s injury report (January 23, 2025)


    Will LeBron James play tonight against the Boston Celtics? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (January 23, 2025)
    Is LeBron James playing tonight (Image via AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is listed as questionable for the team’s highly anticipated matchup against the Boston Celtics on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The four-time NBA champion is dealing with a foot injury that has raised concerns about his availability for the game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
    The Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling with injuries throughout the season, and LeBron James’ potential absence would be a significant setback as they face one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. Alongside James, the Lakers have several key players on the injury report, including Anthony Davis, who is also questionable with a calf issue.
    LeBron James has been a crucial part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense, averaging 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists over the last 20 games. His playmaking ability and leadership have kept the team competitive despite their recent struggles. With the Lakers currently sitting at 23-18, every game becomes increasingly important as they aim to secure a strong position in the Western Conference standings.

    Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James

    LeBron James of Lakers (Image via Getty)

    In addition to LeBron James and Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without key contributors Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, and Jarred Vanderbilt, all of whom have been ruled out due to injuries. The team’s depth will be tested against a Celtics squad that boasts a 31-13 record and features stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
    Boston, however, is dealing with injury concerns of its own. The Celtics have listed Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford as questionable, which could impact their rotation. Despite their injury woes, the Celtics have been dominant on both ends of the court, averaging 117.7 points per game while allowing just 108.2.
    The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, have faced challenges defensively, conceding 113.2 points per game and being outrebounded by their opponents. Anthony Davis leads the team with 11.9 rebounds per game, ranking sixth in the league, but the Lakers will need a collective effort to overcome their recent struggles.
    Tip-off for the Lakers vs. Celtics showdown is set for 10:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on TNT, truTV, and MAX. Fans can also stream the game on Max, though regional restrictions may apply.
    Also read: Will Chet Holmgren play tonight against the Dallas Mavericks? Latest update on the OKC Thunder star’s injury report (January 23, 2025)
    The Lakers await further updates on LeBron James’ status and as a result, the team and its fans are hopeful that the veteran star can take the court and help them compete against their historic rivals.





    It’s the question on every Los Angeles Lakers fan’s mind: will LeBron James play tonight against the Boston Celtics? The latest update on the star’s injury report is here to provide some insight.

    LeBron James has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for the past few games. However, there is some optimism that he may be able to return to action tonight against the Celtics.

    According to sources close to the team, LeBron has been making progress in his recovery and is feeling better each day. He has been participating in light workouts and has been seen getting shots up before games, indicating that he may be close to a return.

    While nothing is set in stone yet, it is looking more and more likely that LeBron will suit up tonight against the Celtics. Lakers fans will have to wait for the official injury report closer to game time for confirmation, but all signs are pointing towards a potential return for the King.

    Stay tuned for more updates on LeBron James’ status and be sure to tune in to tonight’s game to see if the superstar makes his highly-anticipated comeback. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for LeBron and a strong performance against the Celtics. #GoLakers.

    Tags:

    LeBron James injury update, LeBron James injury report, LeBron James status tonight, Los Angeles Lakers injury news, LeBron James Boston Celtics game, LeBron James latest news, LeBron James playing tonight, Lakers vs Celtics injury report.

    #LeBron #James #play #tonight #Boston #Celtics #Latest #update #Los #Angeles #Lakers #stars #injury #report #January

  • Lakers injury report: LeBron James listed for Celtics game


    LOS ANGELES — The Celtics and Lakers will renew their rivalry come 10 p.m. Thursday, and it looks Los Angeles will be healthy for the matchup. The Lakers have five players listed on their injury report.

    Notably, LeBron James (left foot) and Anthony Davis (right calf) are both listed as probable. Jalen Hood-Schifino (hamstring), Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery) and Christian Wood (left knee surgery) are all out. Considering James and Davis are probable, they’ll likely play in Thursday’s game.

    The Celtics are coming off an overtime victory over the Clippers where they fended off a shorthanded squad to win late. They weren’t perfect, but they’re now on a winning streak for the first time in a few weeks. The C’s have been inconsistent of late, though, so they’ll be tested against the Lakers.

    The C’s were without Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday for the Clippers win Wednesday, so their statues are unclear for the second game of the back-to-back Thursday. But all three are likely to play after getting the night off.

    There will be plenty of eyeballs watching Thursday considering it’s Celtics vs. Lakers for the first time this season. The C’s have endured some recent struggles, but they’re still second in the East at 31-13. The Lakers are 23-18 as they’re looking for some consistency themselves.

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    The Los Angeles Lakers have announced their injury report for their upcoming game against the Boston Celtics, and it includes a notable absence. Superstar forward LeBron James has been listed as questionable for the game due to a lingering ankle injury.

    This news is sure to be concerning for Lakers fans, as LeBron’s presence on the court is always a game-changer. The team will have to adjust their game plan accordingly if he is unable to play.

    Stay tuned for updates on LeBron’s status as the game approaches. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery and a quick return to the court for the King.

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  • Is LeBron James Playing vs Celtics? Final Lakers Injury Report Released


    The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for an exciting matchup against the Boston Celtics in what promises to be a star-studded affair. This Eastern-Western Conference matchup features NBA champions on both sides, and the Lakers have been showing strong form with a 3-1 record in their last four games.

    The Lakers have jumped up to fifth in the Western Conference holding a record of 23-18. Their most recent victory came in a dominant win over the Washington Wizards, but a primary focus for Los Angeles will be on the status of 21-time All-Star forward LeBron James, who has been battling a lingering foot injury.

    LeBron James was once again listed as probable on the injury report, as he continues to manage the foot issue that has plagued him for much of the season. While James has been available for the Lakers’ previous matchups, his health will remain a key factor in the team’s success moving forward.

    However, James has been upgraded and will play in this game, after all.

    If the Lakers want to continue their upward trajectory, having the four-time NBA champion fully engaged on the court will be crucial.

    James’ impact on the Lakers this season has been undeniable. Even at 40 years old, he continues to put up impressive numbers. This season, he has averaged 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game, showcasing his ability to do it all.

    His versatility, leadership, and ability to elevate the team’s performance make him irreplaceable, especially in high-stakes matchups like this one against the Celtics.

    Given the NBA’s postponements earlier this season due to the L.A. wildfires, there was some speculation that those breaks could have been an opportunity for James to get additional rest and fully nurse his foot injury. However, with the season back on track, James’ ability to maintain his conditioning and manage the injury will be a balancing act for the Lakers’ medical team.

    If James plays, the Lakers will look to build on their recent momentum, where key contributors like Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves have stepped up to support their superstar. Boston, with its star-studded roster, will be looking to challenge the Lakers in what is expected to be a high-intensity matchup.

    Davis has also been listed on the injury report as probable, and is likely to join his team against the Celtics.

    If James is on the floor, Los Angeles will have a better shot at securing a crucial win over their historic rivals, keeping their playoff aspirations alive.

    More Lakers:

    Anthony Davis Injury Status For Lakers vs Celtics

    Lakers Notes: Jarred Vanderbilt Medically Cleared, D’Angelo Russell Shades LA, More

    For more Lakers news, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.





    The highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly awaiting news on whether or not LeBron James will be taking the court.

    The final Lakers injury report has been released, and it looks like LeBron James will indeed be playing against the Celtics. After missing the last few games due to a nagging ankle injury, James has been cleared to play and is expected to be a key player in the upcoming game.

    With LeBron back in action, the Lakers will be looking to secure a crucial win against their long-standing rivals, the Celtics. The matchup is sure to be intense and exciting, and fans can’t wait to see LeBron back on the court doing what he does best.

    Be sure to tune in to the game to see LeBron James and the Lakers take on the Celtics in what is sure to be a thrilling showdown.

    Tags:

    LeBron James injury update, Lakers vs Celtics, NBA injury report, Lakers game preview, LeBron James playing status, Lakers injury news, Celtics vs Lakers matchup, LeBron James latest update, Lakers injury report.

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  • Will LeBron James Play? Final Lakers vs Celtics Injury Report Revealed


    The upcoming matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting NBA champions and star-studded lineups. As the Celtics sit comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference, and the Lakers are jockeying for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference, this game is set to have significant implications on seeding as the regular season winds down.

    However, the Lakers’ injury report has some fans concerned, especially with two key players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, being listed as probable.

    However, James will play in this game.

    James, despite being 40 years old, remains one of the league’s most impactful players, continuing to defy the odds. Although he has been dealing with a persistent foot injury throughout the season, James has been remarkably available and effective when on the court.

    His presence alone is a major factor in the Lakers’ success, as his leadership, scoring ability, and playmaking continue to elevate the team. Without him, the Lakers lose not only their offensive engine but also their defensive versatility and veteran poise.

    James’ ability to orchestrate the offense, set up teammates, and still score at will place him in a league of his own, even as he ages.

    The Lakers have managed to stay afloat in the playoff hunt thanks to the stellar play of Davis, but losing James for another game, especially against a Celtics team that’s currently one of the best in the East would be a monumental challenge. Davis, while dominant in his own right, relies on James’ floor-spacing and basketball IQ to maximize his potential on both ends of the court.

    In a matchup like this, where the stakes are high and every possession counts, having James’ calming influence and clutch performance would be critical.

    While James’ injury has been an ongoing issue, his ability to play through it speaks volumes about his determination and resilience. The Lakers have been cautious with him, but given the significance of the upcoming game against the Celtics, it is expected that he will take the floor, barring any setbacks.

    However, even with James playing, the Lakers will need to dig deep to fill the time he is off the floor, with players like Davis, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves needing to step up their performances to keep the team competitive.

    As the Lakers and Celtics prepare to face off, all eyes will be on how James performs.

    Other players listed on the Lakers’ injury report is Davis, who’s also been listed as probable. Jalen Hood-Schifino and Jarred Vanderbilt have both been ruled out of Thursday’s matchup.

    The Celtics, however, will be at full strength against the Lakers.

    Read more: Celtics Reveal Surprising Full Injury Report For Showdown vs Lakers

    This season, James boasts an impressive 23.7 points, 9.0 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. He’s shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 39.8% from long range.

    More Celtics:

    Celtics Legend Paul Pierce Reignites Lakers Feud With Perfect Diss

    Celtics Reveal Surprising Full Injury Report For Showdown vs Lakers





    As the highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics draws near, all eyes are on the injury report to see if superstar LeBron James will be taking the court.

    The final injury report has been revealed, and unfortunately for Lakers fans, LeBron James is listed as questionable for the game. James has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for the past few games. His status for the game against the Celtics remains uncertain, but Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has expressed optimism that James will be able to play.

    On the Celtics side, star player Jayson Tatum is also listed as questionable for the game due to a knee injury. Tatum has been a key player for the Celtics this season, and his absence would be a significant blow to the team.

    As fans eagerly await the outcome of these injury updates, one thing is for certain – this Lakers vs Celtics matchup is sure to be an intense and exciting game, with or without LeBron James and Jayson Tatum on the court. Stay tuned for updates as game time approaches.

    Tags:

    LeBron James injury status, Lakers vs Celtics injury report, LeBron James playing update, Lakers vs Celtics game preview, NBA injury updates, LeBron James latest news, Lakers vs Celtics matchup analysis

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  • Watch: Austin Reaves’ flashy alley-oop pass to LeBron James for dunk


    After getting humbled by the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday by the final score of 116-102, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to get back on the right path against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. The Wizards have the NBA’s worst record at 6-35, but they were competitive at times in the first half.

    Midway through the second quarter, the Lakers started to pull away, and one play in particular may have helped spark them. After Max Christie missed a 3-point attempt, Austin Reaves dug out an offensive rebound in the paint and saw LeBron James cutting to the hoop. Reaves backup up a bit and threw a spectacular alley-oop pass to James, who then threw down a dunk in Jonas Valanciunas’ face while getting fouled.

    Los Angeles took a solid 59-49 lead at halftime behind 14 points from James and 19 from Anthony Davis. Although Reaves went just 2-of-7 from the field in the first half, he contributed five assists against just one turnover in that first half.

    This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Watch: Austin Reaves’ flashy alley-oop pass to LeBron James for dunk



    In a recent game, Austin Reaves showed off his playmaking skills with a flashy alley-oop pass to LeBron James for a thunderous dunk. The chemistry between the two players was on full display as Reaves perfectly timed the pass for James to finish with authority at the rim. Watch the highlight reel play now and witness the magic of teamwork in action! #AustinReaves #LeBronJames #AlleyOop #Dunk #NBAHighlights

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