Is LeBron James playing tonight against the Bulls? Lakers star’s latest injury update before the game (March 26, 2023)
LeBron James hasn’t played since the LA Lakers’ thrilling 111-108 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 26. James told his teammates in that game that he heard a “pop” in his right foot but still played crucial minutes in the fourth quarter.
Three days ago, Lakers coach Darvin Ham told the media that ‘King James’ was following a ‘progressive movement program’. He was also allowed to do field activities.
Shams Charania of The Athletic updated basketball fans with this tweet yesterday:
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“The Lakers put LeBron James on questionable level against Bulls on Sunday. James seems closer to a comeback.”
When rumors started to sprout about his potential return, James had this to say to these reports:
“There was no assessment today and there was no target date for my return. I’m just working 24/7 (3 times a day) to give myself the best chance of getting back to full strength whenever I have to. God bless you all sources. I speak for myself!”
The LA Lakers are in a dogfight for at least one playing spot. They are now eighth in the Western Conference standings with a 37-37 record. LA’s win over the OKC Thunder last Friday gave them a .500 record for the first time since starting 0-0.
Despite enormous pressure to make the playoffs, the LA Lakers won’t allow James to play unless he’s fully healthy.
What is LeBron James’ status tonight against the Chicago Bulls?
The LA Lakers have upgraded LeBron James to questionable for tonight’s game against the Chicago Bulls. This is the biggest and most important update for his team since suffering a foot injury in Dallas last month.
For the Lakers, declaring he’s doubtful instead of automatically excluding him likely means he’s closer than ever to coming back.
James’ team will host the Chicago Bulls, marking their first meeting with former teammate Patrick Beverley. If James’ status isn’t changed to available tonight, he could return on the five-game road trip from Los Angeles.
After tonight, the Lakers will face the Bulls in a rematch, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz and LA Clippers.
THE LA Lakers will have a two-day break after facing the Bulls tonight. LeBron James could adapt to the purple and gold team on Wednesday in Chicago if he is to return to cheerleading duties tonight.
What is the impact of LeBron James on the LA Lakers?
LeBron James may be in his 20th season, but he beats players from younger years when available. Even if Anthony Davis plays like an MVP, the Lakers’ best chances of winning the title could be decided by James’ presence.
The Lakers rearranged their roster before and before the trade deadline. They are more balanced, deeper and stronger with Rob Pelinka’s lineup changes. However, LA’s ceiling and floor will be dramatically different if the four-time NBA MVP is in the lineup.
If the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is fit enough to play, some analysts say he and Davis could lead the team to the Finals.
