Is LeBron James playing tonight? Latest injury update for Lakers at Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to begin the second half of the 2023–24 season but may have to do it without LeBron James. James' health will be an increasing concern as the Lakers enter the final stretch of the regular season and will need him healthy if they want to make the playoffs. 

Prior to the all-star break, L.A. had begun to turn their season around, going 7-3 in the leadup to the break. For that to continue, they will need LeBron healthy, but will he be?

LeBron James' injury status for the Lakers’ game at Golden State on February 22nd

According to the Athletics' Shams Charania, LeBron will not play against the Warriors on Thursday. This is a result of a lingering ankle injury.

When will LeBron James play?

Although James played during the all-star game, he logged just 14 minutes, and after not playing a real NBA game in 10 days, he isn't yet ready to play. That suggests that his ankle injury is worse than expected.

With the Lakers playing the first game of a back-to-back, he not only won't play against the Warriors but may not play against the San Antonio Spurs on February 23rd. That means he may not return until their February 25th game against the Phoenix Suns. 

Lakers’ full injury report

Joining LeBron on the Lakers' injury report are Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and Cam Reddish. Vanderbilt, Vincent, and Wood are all out; Reddish and Christie are probable; and Davis is probable after a hip injury.

Lakers next five opponents

The Lakers next five games after the Warriors are fairly tough, aside from the gimmie games against two of the three worst teams in the NBA. Going 3-2, or better, would certainly help their playoff cause. Here's their next five games:

Friday, February 23: San Antonio Spurs, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 25: @ Phoenix Suns, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 28: @ LA Clippers at 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 28: Washington Wizards, 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 2: Denver Nuggets at 8:30 p.m.

Overall, LeBron will miss Thursday's game against the Warriors. Despite that, he could still return later this week.