Lakers Injury Report: LeBron James Indicates Whether Or Not He'll Play Vs Hawks

The league's oldest player faces the second night of a back-to-back.

After a 23-point, 10-assist, six-rebound effort during a 135-119 blowout loss against the Houston Rockets last night, 39-year-old Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James could be playing the second night of a back-to-back pair of bouts tonight, as LA is slated to suit up against the Atlanta Hawks. 

James is of course the oldest player in the NBA. Given his age and mileage, it'd be understandable if James opted to sit out. He's been dealing with lingering ankle trouble for a while.

Instead, the 6'9" forward indicated in his team's locker room that he did indeed intend to suit up.

"We just got to be a better team. Got to be better to win ballgames and we didn't tonight." LeBron James reflects on tonight's loss and says he plans to play tomorrow in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/EnJcjjuifi

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 30, 2024

“Yeah, I plan on playing,” James said.

In unpacking the Houston game at large, James pulled few punches.

"We just got to be a better team," James reflected. "Got to be better to win ballgames and we didn't tonight."

An official injury report for the Lakers has yet to be released for tonight's game, though LA small forward Cam Reddish and point guard Gabe Vincent are shelved for weeks with long-term injuries. Should he play, James' 24-24 Lakers would seemingly have a solid chance against the 19-27 Hawks. Atlanta, however, is currently pegged by betting aggregator The Action Network as a -6 favorite. 

Through 43 games this year (averaging an insane-for-his-age 34.7 minutes per), the 20-time All-Star is logging 25 points on .523/.399/.736 shooting splits, 7.7 assists, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks.