LeBron James appears to be getting closer to a return, and he could be on the court on Saturday when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Chicago Bulls at crypto.com Arena.
James has missed the last seven games with a nagging groin injury. His status for the Bulls matchup is questionable and is considered a true "game-time decision," per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
"LeBron James is still listed as questionable by LAL to return tonight after missing the last 2 weeks with a groin strain, however sources told ESPN that he will warm up and be a true game-time decision," McMenamin said.
McMenamin added that Rui Hachimura, who has missed a dozen games with a left knee issue, is probable to play.
The Lakers played their most recent game severely shorthanded. Los Angeles was without its top four scorers, with James, Hacimura, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sitting out. Doncic and Reaves are expected to play against the Bulls.
When at full strength, the Lakers can be a dominant defense team. Head coach JJ Redick is looking forward to having James and Hachimura back to beef up their effort on that side of the court.
"Both of those guys have been so good for us on that end," Redick said of James and Hachimura. "Rui kind of just being a connector, just being able to switch everything. And then LeBron, I literally said to him during the San Antonio game during a timeout, I said you know what we miss? We miss your voice on the defensive end. Our communication level has gone down significantly and talk is a contagious thing. When one guy is consistently talking, it forces everybody else to."
The Lakers are a 10.5-point favorite for the matchup with the Bulls, per ESPN BET.
Related: Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report for Chicago Bulls Game Features Good News
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 2:22 PM.