LeBron James
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Lakers' LeBron James during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in January 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers are once again walking a fine line with LeBron James’ availability, with the 41-year-old listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
James sat out Wednesday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back, a move that aligned with expectations. The latest injury report cites left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica, issues the Lakers will carefully manage throughout the entire season.
A final determination is expected closer to tipoff, leaving Los Angeles in wait-and-see mode as they navigate another stretch of line-up uncertainty.
Rui Hachimura has also been upgraded to questionable as he works back from a right calf strain, while Austin Reaves and rookie Adou Thiero remain sidelined.
Lakers Manage LeBron James’ Status as Bucks Loom
James’ questionable designation carries weight beyond a single game. It highlights the ongoing balancing act the Lakers face as they attempt to preserve his health while remaining competitive in a crowded Western Conference.
Now in his 23rd NBA season, James was widely expected to sit out the recent back-to-back, making his continued presence on the injury report notable rather than surprising.
“I’m 41-years-old, every back-to-back is TBD,” James recently told reporters. “Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I am 41, I got the most minutes in NBA history—bank it right now, OK? What are we talking about?”
Whether his status for the Bucks game is strategic or purely health-related, it adds another layer of uncertainty for a Lakers team still searching for consistent rhythm. Although, all indications suggest he has a chance to play.
Through 18 games this season, James is averaging 21.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game, while shooting 51.2% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range.
Hachimura Upgrade Offers Encouraging Sign for Lakers
While James’ availability remains uncertain, the Lakers did receive more encouraging news elsewhere. Hachimura’s upgrade to questionable represents a meaningful step forward as he nears a return from a calf injury suffered late last month.
The forward has missed the past five games and did not travel with the team on their recent road trip, instead remaining in Los Angeles to continue his rehabilitation.
Earlier this week, he was assigned to the Lakers’ G League affiliate for on-court work, a step commonly used as a final ramp-up before returning to NBA action.
Hachimura has been a steady presence when healthy, averaging 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds through 27 games while shooting 52.1% from the field and a career-high 44.5% from three-point range on 4.1 attempts per game.
His absence, combined with injuries to Reaves and Gabe Vincent, has forced the Lakers to lean deeper into their rotation. Vincent returned against San Antonio after missing time with a lower back issue, though his workload continues to be monitored closely.
Jake LaRavia has capitalized on the opportunity, delivering consecutive 21 and 26-point performances in wins over the Memphis Grizzlies to start the new year, before adding 16 points and seven rebounds against the Spurs, including four made three-pointers.
Following the loss in San Antonio, the Lakers sit at 23-12, fifth in the Western Conference, two games behind the Spurs in second place, with the Oklahoma City Thunder maintaining separation at the top of the standings.