As usual, LeBron James has been an integral part of the Los Angeles Lakers this season. The four-time NBA champion is averaging 25 points on 51.7 percent shooting with 8.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists. His scoring average ranks 11th in the league and his assists are sixth.
James, 40, became the oldest player in NBA history to win a Player of the Month award this season. The future Hall of Famer won it for the Western Conference in February after registering 29.3 points on 55.5 percent shooting (44.3 3 PT) with 10.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in 35.2 minutes.
James' effectiveness along with the Luka Doncic trade at the deadline has helped the Lakers (43-26) get to the third seed in the West, although the former has missed the last seven games with a groin strain.
After initially listing James as questionable against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, Los Angeles has made a final decision on his status.
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the 21-time All-Star will make his return.
After sustaining a groin strain two weeks ago, Lakers star LeBron James will return tonight against the Chicago Bulls.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 23, 2025
The Lakers have gone 3-4 in these last seven games without James, although they were also missing Doncic and Austin Reaves in their 113-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura (patellar) has missed the last 12 games but is available for Saturday, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
Los Angeles is just two games behind the Houston Rockets (46-25) for second place in the West but is also tied with the Denver Nuggets (44-27) in third. Additionally, it's just one game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies (43-28).
Related: Lakers Announce New Austin Reaves Update After One Missed Game
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 8:33 PM.