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Lakers Announce LeBron James Injury Update After Nuggets Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Ishaan Bhattacharya | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 4:24 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to bounce back from a 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets with a win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. The Pacers are the worst team in the Eastern Conference and are currently on a seven-game losing streak, but they can still prove to be tricky opponents for a fatigued Lakers squad.

The loss to the Nuggets was taxing on the roster, but the grueling NBA schedule waits for no one. The Lakers have a game to play tonight, and it seems their available roster will look noticeably different on the second night of this back-to-back, suffering a triple loss.

The Lakers have announced in their latest injury report that LeBron James (elbow/foot), Deandre Ayton (knee) and Maxi Kleber (back) will all be ruled out against the Pacers.

No LeBron, Ayton, or Maxi tonight for Lakers pic.twitter.com/7pKEzxVkwS
— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) March 6, 2026

James suffered an elbow injury during the loss to the Nuggets. He spoke about the injury after the game and described it as a worse funny bone issue, meaning the 41-year-old star should be able to return sooner rather than later. He's also been listed for his right foot arthritis, which has appeared multiple times over the season on James' injury status.

The elbow injury could also be coupled with just giving him a rest day as the playoffs inch closer. James is averaging 21.4 points, 7.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds this season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Deandre Ayton picked up a knee injury in the first quarter of the Nuggets' loss, so his being ruled out isn't surprising. Everyone will be curious about his recovery timeline and how soon the Lakers can have him back on the floor before the playoffs. The Bahamian center has averaged 12.6 points and 8.2 rebounds this season.

It's unclear how Maxi Kleber wound up hurting his back, but this could be a precautionary rest for the 34-year-old German big man. His back injuries over the last few seasons have limited his availability, so it might be best for him to rest and stay ready for later. Kleber is averaging 2.2 points and 2.0 rebounds

This should open up room in the rotation for various Lakers players. Ayton will be replaced by Jaxson Hayes in the starting lineup, with Jarred Vanderbilt likely receiving additional playing time in the frontcourt. Kleber doesn't need replacing, but the Lakers have plenty of options to soak up his 11 minutes per game in this clash.

LeBron's absence likely will be compensated for by additional minutes for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, along with minutes to wing players such as likely starter Rui Hachimura, as well as options like Luke Kennard.

The Pacers will come into this game without Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Ivica Zubac (ankle) and Johnny Furphy (knee). Andrew Nembhard (back/neck), Pascal Siakam (wrist) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle/back) are all listed as probable for tonight's game.

If they all do suit up for the Lakers game, it'll be a trickier challenge than many would expect while facing a 15-47 team on the season.

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

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