Is LeBron James playing tonight? What Lakers star said his injury and his status for rest of NBA season

No LeBron, no problem. 

For the 10th time this season, the Lakers were forced to play without the services of LeBron James. The Los Angeles superstar watched from the sidelines as his team battled it out against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.

Even with their leading scorer in street clothes, the Lakers stayed right with the talented Milwaukee contingent, taking the game to double overtime before prevailing, 128-124. The win improved Los Angeles’ record to 40-32. 

While the team has been able to overcome James’ absences on multiple occasions, Los Angeles would much rather have one of the greatest basketball players of all time on the court sporting the purple and gold.

The Lakers currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference, good enough for one of the play-in spots. But if the Lakers have their sights set on a spot in the postseason, they’ll want James down the stretch.

Why did James miss Tuesday night’s game against the Bucks? And will he play Wednesday against the Grizzlies? Here is more on the Lakers star and what he has said about his injury. 

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Why didn’t LeBron James play vs. Bucks? James missed the game against Milwaukee due to an ankle injury, according to TNT’s Chris Haynes. 

My @NBAonTNT report on a text message from LeBron James explaining how he’s managing his ankle injury. pic.twitter.com/frSu4hDRJK

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 26, 2024″I have to be very strategic and smart of how I manage the rest of the season with my ankle/foot in order to get to the finish line,” James said in a text to Haynes. “Whatever line that lies ahead.”

Is LeBron James injured?James has been battling an ankle injury since before the All-Star Break. The 39-year-old has battled through bumps and bruises all season, but has managed to remain relatively healthy, suiting up in 62 games so far for the Lakers. 

“I’ll be all right,” James said after missing a March 8 contest against the Bucks. “It’s just my ankle. It’s just what I’ve been dealing with before the [All-Star] break, after the break. I’m just managing it the best way I can.”

Is LeBron James playing vs. Grizzlies?James is “expected” to play in Wednesday night’s game against Grizzlies, Haynes reported Tuesday. The Lakers will face the Grizzlies in Memphis at 8 p.m. ET.

If James is not available to play, that would mark the first time this season the Lakers star missed back-to-back games.

Lakers record without LeBron JamesTuesday’s absence was LeBron’s 10th missed game this season.

The Lakers have stayed afloat in his absences. The win over the Bucks pushed the team’s record without James to 6-4 on the season, and it also was the second time in March that Los Angeles beat Milwaukee without their star.

Here is a look at all of LA’s games without James in the 2023-24 NBA season. 

Date Opponent Score Nov. 12, 2023 Portland Trail Blazers W, 116-110 Dec. 13, 2023 San Antonio Spurs W, 122-119 Dec. 21, 2023 Minnesota Timberwolves L, 118-11 Jan. 13, 2024 Utah Jazz L, 132-125 Jan. 23, 2024 Los Angeles Clippers L, 127-116 Feb. 1, 2024 Boston Celtics W, 114-105 Feb. 14, 2024 Utah Jazz W, 138-122 Feb. 22, 2024 Golden State Warriors L, 128-110 March 8, 2024 Milwaukee Bucks W, 123-122 March 26, 2024 Milwaukee Bucks W, 128-124