On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder in California.
The Lakers most recently lost to the Dallas Mavericks (in Texas) by a score of 134-128.
LeBron James finished the loss with 30 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists and one steal while shooting 12/22 from the field in 39 minutes of playing time.
Lakers Make New LeBron James Announcement
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shakes hands with his son, Bronny, after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
For Tuesday’s game, the Lakers have announced that James has been ruled out.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “LeBron James is out tonight against the Thunder with left foot soreness, the Lakers announced. Tonight is the start of three games in four nights for LAL, followed by GSW on the road Thursday and home against PHX on Friday.”
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
At 41, James has still been an elite NBA player.
He is averaging 20.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 51.2% from the field and 30.9% from three-point range in 57 games.
Ryan Ward of Lakers OnSI wrote (on April 5): “Per Lakers: LeBron James finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists and one steal at Dallas.
His 30-point, 15-assist performance marked the seventh of his career (tied for 11th all-time) and made him the oldest player in NBA history to reach those marks, passing his own record (Nov. 2019).”
Lakers And Thunder
The Lakers lost to the Thunder (in OKC) last week by a score of 139-96.
They are dealing with a lot of injures right now, but come into the night as the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 50-28 record in 78 games.
At home, the Lakers have gone 26-12 in 38 games.
After the Thunder, they will conclude their season with games against the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.
Marc Stein of The Stein Line wrote: “The Lakers say LeBron James (left foot injury management) has been downgraded to out for tonight’s game against. Oklahoma City.
No Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves or James against the West-leading Thunder.”
GettyLakers forward LeBron James, #23, right, congratulates Lakers guard Luka Doncic after he sank a three-point shot, totaling 51 points for the game against the Bulls in the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Thursday, March 12, 2026.
On the other side, the Thunder are having another remarkable year as the top team in the NBA with a 62-16 record in 78 games.
They are in the middle of a five-game winning streak (and have gone 9-1 over their last ten).
On the road, the Thunder are 28-9 in the 37 games they have played outside of Oklahoma City.
Last season, the franchise won their first title since moving from Seattle.
Los Angeles Lakers Make New LeBron James Announcement Before Thunder Game