Is LeBron James Playing Tonight? (Injury Update, Betting Impact for Lakers vs. Nets)

The Los Angeles Lakers won't have superstar LeBron James for the next few games, as he's been ruled out for one-to-two weeks due to the groin strain that he suffered on Saturday night against the Boston Celtics.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss at least 1-to-2 weeks with a groin strain, sources tell ESPN. James will wait for the groin injury to calm down over the next 24 hours and receive another evaluation. pic.twitter.com/17mWxsaXN3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 9, 2025

As a result, James has been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers are still favored in this game by 6.5 points, a sign that Luka Doncic (questionable, back) is expected to suit up in James' absence.

This season, James is averaging 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from beyond the arc. Replacing James won't be possible for the Lakers, but they'll lean on Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry the offense.

Here's how I'm wagering on the Lakers in the prop market on Monday.

Best Lakers Prop Bet vs. Nets With LeBron James Out

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Luka Doncic OVER 30.5 Points (-105)

With LeBron out of the lineup, Doncic is going to be called upon to carry this offense, something he’s shown signs of doing as of late.

Luka has 31, 29, 30, 32 and 34 points in his last five games, attempting over 20 shots in three of those five matchups. The usage should be there for Doncic in this matchup, and Brooklyn has fallen off a bit on the defensive end, ranking 20th in defensive rating over its last 10 games.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.

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