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Lakers Announce LeBron James Injury Update Before NBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 12, 2026 8:03 PM ET

LeBron James has had to carry a heavier load for the Los Angeles Lakers of late. This is after they lost both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to major injuries just weeks before the start of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers are optimistic they will get both Doncic and Reaves back for the postseason, but in the meantime, it has been James leading the charge for L.A.

It’s the final day of the regular season on Sunday, and the Lakers are scheduled to face the Utah Jazz in a home game at Crypto.com Arena. James was initially listed as questionable to play for the matchup due to left foot injury management, and L.A. has now made a final decision on his status ahead of tip-off.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron JamesKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Lakers enter Sunday’s contest with a 52-29 record and fourth in the Western Conference. They are one game behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 seed.

A win for L.A. and a loss for Denver (against the San Antonio Spurs) will see the Lakers secure the third seed heading into the NBA playoffs. This is because the Lakers own the tie-breaker after winning the season series against the Nuggets, 2-1.

The good news for the Lakers is that James will suit up in their season finale. The team announced ahead of tip-off that James has been cleared to play against the Jazz. This puts L.A. in an advantageous position against a 22-59 Utah side that is coming off its first win after a 10-game losing streak.

The Lakers will still need the Nuggets to lose against the Spurs, but James’ availability is a clear indication that they are going for the win against Utah and the No. 3 seed.

James has played 59 games this season, heading into Sunday’s contest. The 41-year-old is averaging 21.0 points on 51.7% shooting, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 triples in 33.4 minutes.

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

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