As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the superstar forward LeBron James will get the night off.
Seeing a 41-year-old LeBron get the second night of a back-to-back set off is nothing surprising this season. However, Friday’s circumstances did generate some slight concerns.
When the Lakers left the court on Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James admitted that his elbow was bothering him.
“It’s pretty sore right now,” LeBron told reporters. “Felt like one of them funny bone situations, but like, super more intense.”
Typically, the Lakers would list LeBron as questionable for the back half of a back-to-back. This time around, they simply ruled him out hours leading up to the matchup.
Is James’ recent setback a notable concern? The head coach, JJ Redick, weighed in on the situation during his pregame press conference on Friday night.
JJ Redick Has A Positive LeBron James Update
GettyLeBron 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.
via Mike Trudell, Spectrum: JJ Redick said LeBron is a little banged up between the elbow he fell on at Denver and the other things he’s been managing, but that they expect he’ll be ready to go Sunday vs. New York. Ayton and Kleber (also both out today) are day-to-day.
Ayton and Kleber (also both out today) are day-to-day.
James has dealt with multiple setbacks this season. His notable setback is still the sciatica injury he suffered back in the offseason. Entering the 2025-2026 NBA season, James was shockingly ruled out for nearly one month of action.
The superstar forward missed the first 14 games of the season for the Lakers. He finally debuted against the Utah Jazz on November 18, playing on a 29-minute restriction. After that, he exceeded 30 minutes and had the restriction lifted from that point on.
James has missed just four games since making his debut this year. Although he had some expected rust at the start of the season, he’s still at an All-Star level.
Following Thursday’s loss against the Nuggets, James played in 44 games this year. He is shooting 50% from the field and knocking down threes at a 31% clip. James is averaging 21.4 points per game, along with 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists. Defensively, he’s averaging 1.1 steals and nearly one block per game.
Heading into Friday’s action against the Pacers, the Lakers hold a 37-25 record. They are sixth in the Western Conference, now trailing the Denver Nuggets by 1.5 games. The seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns are behind them, holding a 35-27 record.
Even without LeBron on the floor, the Lakers should be able to take care of business against the struggling Pacers. After losing Tyrese Haliburton for the year, the Pacers have had a hard time getting out of the bottom of the East. Entering Friday’s game, the Pacers are 15-47. They are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.
On Sunday, March 8, the Lakers and the New York Knicks will battle it out for a 3:30 PM ET matchup. While it’s too early to put an official status on LeBron for that game, Redick seems to suggest the 41-year-old All-Star just might be in line to play. The Lakers will have a better idea this weekend.
JJ Redick Announces Key LeBron James Update vs Pacers