Downgrading LeBron James for Pelicans game
The Los Angeles Lakers were among the best teams in the NBA to start the 2025-26 season, currently sitting at 14-4 and occupying the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference standings. After he left undefeated in the group stage of the NBA Cup, the Lakers they have a few games at home before going back on the road. However, the Lakers could be short for their upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans with LeBron James on the injury report.
LeBron James was officially listed as suspicious on the Lakers injury report for Sunday’s game against the Pelicans. James was listed as nursing a left foot injury, the same nagging injury that sidelined him for part of last season.
James made his debut in the 2024/25 season only on November 18 due to nerve injury. The Lakers vs. Pelicans game is the front end of a back-to-back, with the Phoenix Suns in town on Monday night. A final update on James’ status likely won’t come before the game begins, and it’s unclear what that would mean regarding his potential availability for the Suns game.
In addition to James, veteran point guard Marcus Smart also appeared on the injury report, dealing with back spasms. Smart missed the Lakers’ win against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday with the aforementioned back problem. Brony James will not be with the Lakers as he has been assigned to the South Bay for their mini-road trip against the San Diego Clippers this weekend.
James has appeared in four games so far this season, averaging just over 32 minutes per game. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 49.1 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from the 3-point line and 50 percent from the free throw line.
2025-11-30 01:38:00
