On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Chicago Bulls in California.
The Lakers are coming off a 120-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves (at home).
LeBron James missed his third straight game with an injury.
Lakers Announce LeBron James Status For Bulls Game
Los Angeles, CA – March 01: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a pass while being defended by Sacramento Kings guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) during the second half of NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photos by Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
FINAL UPDATE: LeBron James is available (h/t Underdog NBA).
UPDATE: LeBron James is a game-time decision (h/t Underdog NBA).
For Thursday’s game, the Lakers have announced that James is listed as questionable.
Underdog NBA wrote: “LeBron James (hip, foot) questionable for Thursday.”
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
James is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 50.4% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range in 44 games.
He is in his eighth year playing for the Lakers (and 23rd season in the NBA).
Lakers Playing Well Without James
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures to the ref on the ground during the fourth quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
The Lakers are the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 40-25 record in 65 games.
They are in the middle of a three-game winning streak (and have won six out of ten).
In their most recent victory, Luka Doncic went off for 31 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and one block while shooting 11/24 from the field.
GettyLos Angeles, CA – March 01: Court side fans celebrate after Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doni (77) makes a 3 pointer during the second half of NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photos by Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Following the Bulls, the Lakers will remain at home to host Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
At home, they have gone 21-12 in 33 games.
Lakers reporter Jovan Buha wrote (on Tuesday): “LA just followed up its best win of the season with an even better win. They improve to 40-25 and jump Minnesota to No. 4 in the West. Luka had 31/11/11. AR had 31/7/8. They were the two best players on the floor.”
LA just followed up its best win of the season with an even better win. They improve to 40-25 and jump Minnesota to No. 4 in the West. Luka had 31/11/11. AR had 31/7/8. They were the two best players on the floor.
Up next: vs. Chicago on Thursday.
A Look At Chicago
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 29: Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles up the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at the United Center on December 29, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bulls are the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 27-38 record in 65 games.
They have won three out of their last ten.
After the Lakers, the Bulls will play their next game on Friday when they remain in Los Angeles to play the Clippers.
FINAL UPDATE: Los Angeles Lakers Announce LeBron James Status For Bulls Game