LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

Is LeBron James Playing Friday Against Suns? Latest Injury Update on Lakers Star

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 1:01 PM ET

LeBron James has avoided back-to-back games this year. At 41, the Akron-born man is trying to focus on his health. But following the injuries of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, he might have no other option than to suit up. Recently, James landed on the injury list against the Oklahoma City Thunder. And as the Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the Phoenix Suns, JJ Redick had some good news.

Redick has always praised the 4-time NBA champion’s tenacity towards the game. Ahead of their clash against the Suns, the Lakers’ head coach stated that he was ‘hopeful’ about James’

availability for the Phoenix game. Such an update will surely ease a lot of tensions among the team.

Playing in their latest assignment with the Golden State Warriors, the 22-time NBA All-Star led the team in scoring. Dropping 26 points, the 41-year-old helped the team break a three-game winning streak with a 119-103 triumph. However, there were a few concerns about his hand injury, which the 4-time NBA MVP shrugged away.

“It’ll be fine. I mean it’s not fine, but I’m good,” James commented per ‘Lakers Daily.’

Well, as the 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year will try to lift up his team, Doncic and Reaves’ injury reports left him shattered.

How Did LeBron James React To Luka Doncic And Austin Reaves’ Injury?

Doncic dropped 600 points in March, taking the Lakers to the third position. Playing second fiddle, Reaves, too, had one of the best chemistries with the former Dallas Mavericks star. Thus, when they ruled both stars out of the regular season, the shock hit LeBron James hard. Describing the moment, the NBA legend compared the feeling to being ‘shot to the heart.’

“It was a shot to the heart and the chest and the mainframe with Luka. I woke up… saw the Reaves news and was like, ‘s---,’” said James (video here; warning: viewer discretion advised).

Surely, the impact of their absence has been telling. Now, fans are hoping for both of them to make a swift return.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: