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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2026 in Sacramento, California. James is wearing a patch to celebrate his record-setting 23rd NBA season. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are being smart with LeBron James‘ availability this season. He is 41 years old, so the main goal is to keep him healthy later in the season for the playoffs. That means that he might sit in certain back-to-back settings.
James addressed this a few days ago after a game against the Pelicans, saying that he should be considered questionable for back-to-backs for the rest of his career. James cited his age and wear and tear in his answer. Apparently, that was not a satisfactory answer.
Following a game against the Kings, James was asked about his availability in back-to-back games again. He was not pleased with that question.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James runs down the court. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Lakers’ LeBron James Gives Simple Answer to Repeated Question
James simply said that he had been asked this question already when the reporter fired the question at him.
“I already answered that question [about back-to-backs] in New Orleans.”
James was asked the question first just a week ago, so things haven’t changed during that time. They shouldn’t change over the course of the whole season, either. With Austin Reaves still recovering from an injury, keeping James and Luka Doncic healthy is paramount.
Right now, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference standings. Without Reaves in the lineup, the offense has slipped to 11th in the league. Having James play in as many games as possible would certainly help them get that offense back to an acceptable level.
Perhaps James decides to try to play the second game of more back-to-backs during this period with Reaves out. Once Reaves returns, James will be able to reserve his energy once more. That’s something that he alone can decide after listening to his body.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka speaks to the media. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Lakers Could Make a Deal at the Trade Deadline
Adding another defensive piece to the roster is something the Lakers are likely going to explore at the trade deadline. Unfortunately for them, the Pelicans have mentioned they will not be trading Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones. Both of them would have been perfect targets for LA.
Los Angeles is going to be smart in any potential trade, though. They will not include their 2032 first-round pick in any negotiations. They do not want to mortgage the future to make a stupid potential deal that would end up keeping them from having roster flexibility.
Any player they add would need to mesh well with the three core offensive players. Los Angeles has a few players with expiring contracts that they can use to help get a deal done that will improve the team heading into the playoffs.
As the season continues, the Lakers will have to assess the price of coveted assets around the league and make a move that makes the most sense. Whatever move Rob Pelinka makes could decide the fate of the season. James will have a say in any trade, as well.