With the tragic wildfires in Los Angeles causing significant damage, the Los Angeles Lakers haven't played in nearly a week. Obviously, there are more important things than basketball, but the Lakers will resume their season on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs.
That should give Lakers fans a much-needed distraction, but there is a lingering question about the health of star LeBron James. James was previously set to miss the Lakers first game against the Spurs on January 11th, but with that game being postponed and L.A. having another game against San Antonio, he has more time to recover from an ankle injury.
Will LeBron James play tonight against the San Antonio Spurs?
With the Lakers having additional time in between games, LeBron has had more time to rest up. As a result, LeBron will likely play against the Spurs on Monday night.
Los Angeles Lakers full injury report
The Lakers have several players that appear on their injury report. Christian Wood, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Jared Vanderbilt will all miss the game against the Spurs. Wood is out with a knee injury, Hood-Schifino is out with a hamstring injury, and Vanderbilt will miss the Spurs game with a knee injury.
As for Bronny James and Anthony Davis, Bronny is listed as questionable while Davis is probable with a foot injury.
San Antonio Spurs full injury report
On the other hand, the Spurs only have one player on the injury report, Jeremy Sochan. He is the most likely player to defend LeBron for the Spurs, and he is listed as questionable with a back injury that has previously caused him to miss time. With the Lakers having several players out, they are slightly shorthanded, but they will be at home and should have both LeBron and Davis healthy.
That should give them a leg up on the Spurs, who have been struggling of late. They have lost six of their last nine games, and the Lakers can add to their woes with a win on Monday night. L.A. is only 1.5 games up on the Spurs for sixth in the West, and a win would give them more breathing room.
On the other hand, the Spurs could climb in the standings and give their playoff hopes a shot in the arm after their recent struggles. That makes this an important game for both teams, and LeBron appears ready to play against the Spurs.