Lakers Make Final Call on LeBron James vs Timberwolves

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DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to his teammate during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a LeBron James problem on their hand lately.

The star forward is dealing with multiple setbacks. According to the injury report, James has a right hip contusion, along with left foot arthritis. He is facing a potential absence for the Lakers’ matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Being on the injury report, the veteran forward was on pace to miss his third-straight set of action.

Will LeBron James Miss The Lakers-Timberwolves Matchup?

GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Bruce Brown #11 of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on March 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

While the Lakers aren’t putting a long-term timeline on LeBron’s status, the team has announced he is out for Tuesday’s action.

Dave McMenamin

@mcten · Follow

LeBron James (right hip, left foot) is out tonight against Minnesota, per the Lakers. It will be his third straight missed game.

9:15 pm · 10 Mar 2026

93 Reply Copy link Read 10 replies

When the Lakers held a practice session on Monday ahead of the late tip against Minnesota, LeBron James was not able to participate. Following practice, Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters that James is officially considered day-to-day by the medical staff.

The last time James stepped foot on the court was during the Lakers’ March 5 road matchup against the Denver Nuggets. At the time, James suited up for 33 minutes. He shot 7-11 from the field to score 16 points. He also dished out eight assists and came down with five rebounds.

The Lakers came up short against the Nuggets with a 120-113 loss.

Since then, the Lakers rolled without James for two games in a row. With victories over the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, the Lakers’ recent surge in the absence of James has been a hot topic amongst the national media.

In the absence of LeBron James, the Lakers are 12-7 this season. He missed a chunk of time at the start of the year. In games with LeBron on the court, the Lakers are 26-18. With or without him, they’ve remained strong playoff contenders in the Western Conference throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.

In 44 games this season, LeBron has shot 50% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc. He is posting averages of 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists.

The Lakers and the Timberwolves are slated for an 11 PM ET tip.