Is LeBron James Playing vs Clippers? Lakers Release Final Injury Report

The Los Angeles Lakers get to take on their crosstown rivals on Tuesday.

Feb 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are about to look a lot different in the next few days. After pulling of the most shocking trade in NBA history, Los Angeles will now have Luka Doncic on the team.

Bringing in Doncic is an incredible move for a franchise that was looking to make a move for the NBA title this year. Not only do they get a top-three player in the league, but they get someone who can help the best player on their roster immensely.

That player is 40-year-old LeBron James. Adding Doncic to the fold will lessen the burden that James has to carry for the rest of the season and in the playoffs.

Read More: Is Luka Doncic Playing vs Clippers? Lakers Release Final Injury Report

The Lakers now have found someone who can help James coast more until the playoffs get here. James is no longer tasked with being the primary playmaker on offense.

Doncic can now take that burden away from him, which could extend James' effectiveness this season. There are still more moves to be made, but this should also help keep James healthy.

Speaking of health, James found himself on the injury report ahead of the Lakers' matchup with the Clippers.

While that is the case, James will be on the court tonight against the Clippers in this cross-town rivalry game. He has been upgraded to available after being listed as probable, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha.

Lakers’ starters:
Austin Reaves
Dorian Finney-Smith
LeBron James
Rui Hachimura
Jaxson Hayes

Finney-Smith replaces Max Christie (for now) and Hayes replaces Davis.

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 5, 2025

This is the same injury that has landed him on the injury report all year. However, he will be fine enough to play and start for the purple and gold.

James will have to wait a bit longer to figure out how well he and Doncic fit on the court together. It looks like the earliest that Doncic will make his Lakers debut is this weekend.

More Lakers news: Former Lakers Star Anthony Davis Breaks Silence on Blockbuster Trade to Mavericks

Los Angeles still sits fifth in the Western Conference standings. They think this move can help them make a move up the standings while having a future face of the franchise.

James should continue to put up big numbers this season. So far this year, he is averaging 24 points. 7.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game.

More Los Angeles Lakers news: Lakers' Rob Pelinka Reveals Trade Plans to Improve Roster for 'JJ Redick's Vision'

Lakers' Luka Doncic Reacts to 'Dream Come True' Team-Up with LeBron James

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.