On Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the New York Knicks in California.
The Lakers most recently beat the Indiana Pacers by a score of 128-117.
LeBron James did not play in the game due to injury.
Los Angeles Lakers Make LeBron James Injury Announcement
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
UPDATE: LeBron James has been ruled out (h/t Underdog NBA).
For Sunday’s game, the Lakers could remain without their superstar forward.
He 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.
Underdog NBA wrote: “LeBron James (elbow, foot) listed questionable for Sunday.”
NBA Fans React
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 03, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Here’s what fans were saying:
@z388z: “Better chance of winning without him”
@bball_Benn: “It’s the Knicks man, he’s playing. Stop this”
@BaldOldHead: “Don’t play, I wanna see how “good” we are without you against competition”
@Bigfan7g: “Please no LeBron! I need Luka ball”
@GatorTriti: “I’d rather have LeBron play for the aura and his lack of defense would probably get Shamet 4+ 3s today.”
At 41, James still remains one of the most important three players on the Lakers.
Therefore, his status for Sunday’s game will be significant.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a free throw against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers This Season
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks past head coach JJ Redick during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Lakers have had a very solid season as the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 38-25 record in 63 games.
They have won six out of their last ten games (and are 19-12 at home).
After their showdown with the Knicks, the Lakers will remain at home to host Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote (during the game James got hurt on March 5): “LeBron James took a spill under the basket after scoring that last layup and absorbing some contact from Nikola Jokic. He subbed out of the game after a Lakers’ timeout. He appears to be getting his left elbow worked on by Lakers athletic trainer Mike Mancias on the bench.”
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench after an injury during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 25, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
James is in his 23rd season in the NBA (and eighth with the Lakers).
He has also spent time with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.
UPDATE: NBA Fans React To LeBron James Injury News Before Knicks-Lakers Game