LeBron James will likely not play in the Celtics’ rivalry game
LeBron James hasn’t seen much action this season as he’s been dealing with sciatica since the offseason. However, he participated in Los Angeles Lakers win 123-120 over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, providing the game-winning assist to Rui Hachimura, effectively ending James’ streak of scoring at least 10 points in a contest. But it seems he could be back on the sidelines again.
Reports indicate that the 41-year-old striker will soon be listed as suspicious play Friday against the Boston Celtics, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. James is said to be dealing with right sciatica and arthritis in his left foot. In the same report, Luka Dončić and Markus Smart were excluded.
The four-time MVP award winner has not been officially ruled out, but is being given questionable status indicates that LeBron James unlikely to play. He has played in just six games so far in the 2025-26 season, and in those contests he is playing well below his career average. James is averaging 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game while shooting 41.3% from the field and 25.9% from beyond the arc.
His points per game, rebounds per game and field goal percentage are career lows. Despite his early season struggles, the Lakers are in second place in the Western Conference, just 4.5 games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
So it doesn’t seem like Los Angeles needs James to be at his best. But the team would probably enjoy seeing him in action more. Especially considering how good a passer he still is, as James helps facilitate ball movement with his play.
2025-12-05 18:31:00
