LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
No one in the upcoming Lakers lineup can score
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Portland Trail Blazers for the second time in a week, but this time the stakes are higher. Friday night’s game is part of the season tournament, which will take the Lakers to Portland.
Last weekend, Los Angeles was held to a tie by a bruising Trail Blazers team without LeBron James. James is dealing with calf soreness and opted to sit out the night against the lowly Trail Blazers. Although the Lakers were not as crisp, it did not affect the final result.
LeBron has played since that game, but still found himself on the injury report ahead of Friday night’s game against the Trail Blazers. Here’s everything you need to know about its status.
Will LeBron James play tonight against the Trail Blazers?
As of now, LeBron is listed as questionable on the injury report as “injured” with the Mavericks. However, it’s worth noting that this is the same designation he earned in back-to-back games against the Lakers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Barring a last-minute setback before the game, fans should expect LeBron to play in this game. The Lakers haven’t been as cautious with their two stars as they should have been, and LeBron has made it clear he’s excited about the $500,000 bonus for the in-season tournament winner.
Full injury report for Lakers vs. Trail Blazers:
Anthony Davis remains on the injury report, having been nursing a hip/groin injury for more than a week. Davis acknowledged after Wednesday that the injury is still bothering him and it’s something he has to deal with.
Davis has already played through an injury and is listed as probable for Friday night, so all signs point to him playing through an injury again. This may not be the smartest move given AD’s injury history, but it’s the approach the Lakers are taking.
Jared Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood Schifino and Gabe Vincent are all still out, but that’s nothing new. No other players were added to the injury report.
Complete injury report for Trail Blazers vs. Lakers:
Third overall pick Scott Henderson is out with a knee injury and will be sidelined for several weeks. Starting guard Anfernee Simons is also still out due to thumb surgery and will be out until mid-December at the earliest.
Veterans Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams were also left out. Brogdon has been dealing with a lingering hamstring injury, while Williams underwent surgery for a torn knee ligament. Williams will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season.