Despite having one of the best records in the NBA, post-trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers’ spot in the playoffs is up in the air. They are currently 7th in the Western Conference and could get as high as fifth but also finish as low as 10th. That type of volatility makes each of the teams’ remaining games matter more.
If the Lakers win out, then they could avoid the play-in tournament but could have to face the Phoenix Suns in the first round. If they lose one or two games, then they could have an even tougher route via the play-in tournament. The Lakers could, of course, choose their own path, but they will need their stars to be healthy for the playoffs.
LeBron James’ injury status for the Lakers’ game against the Suns on April 7th
James only recently came back from a leg injury but was forced to log big minutes in the team’s overtime win against the Utah Jazz on April 4th. He then played the second half of a back-to-back against the Clippers. With so many minutes played in a short amount of time, they may choose to sit James and play it safe.
Update:
No Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James expected tonight: With 4 seed clinched and priority on postseason health, the Suns are planning on sitting their four core stars – Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton – vs. Lakers on second night of back-to-back, per sources.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 7, 2023
James will sit against the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
Los Angeles’ full injury report
James may join Mo Bamba in sitting out the Lakers’ game against the Suns. Bamba has a foot injury while D’Angelo Russell is listed as probable with an ankle injury. Anthony Davis is also on the injury report.
Los Angeles Lakers upcoming games
The Lakers have just two games remaining in the regular season and may prioritize the health of their star player over playoff seeding. Of course, if James does indeed play against the Suns, the Lakers’ chances of climbing in the standings increase dramatically. Here are the Lakers’ remaining games:
Friday, April 7th, Phoenix 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 9th, Utah-3:30pm
Overall, James will not play against the Phoenix Suns on Friday.