Lakers Provide LeBron James Update Before Thunder Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 4:48 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers enter Tuesday with a 48-30 record, which is good for third place in the Western Conference with just four games remaining in the regular season.

On Sunday, Luka Doncic led the way with 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 126-99 win over the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on the road.

On Tuesday, the Lakers face the Thunder again in hopes of trying to secure the third-place spot.

However, it marks the first game of a back-to-back with the second leg coming on Wednesday on the road against the Dallas Mavericks in the Doncic return game.

The Lakers entered Tuesday with LeBron James, Doncic, Reaves and others on the injury report, putting into question their availability for the game.

On Tuesday afternoon, Lakers reporter Mike Trudell revealed that James was upgraded to probable.

"Update: Luka Dončić (right groin strain), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle effusion), LeBron James (left groin strain), Austin Reaves (right ankle sprain) and Gabe Vincent (left knee effusion) have been upgraded to probable tonight in Oklahoma City," Trudell wrote.

The Lakers' stars were all listed as questionable, with some thoughts that they might rest them for the Mavericks game instead.

Update:

Luka Dončić (right groin strain), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle effusion), LeBron James (left groin strain), Austin Reaves (right ankle sprain) and Gabe Vincent (left knee effusion) have been upgraded to probable tonight in Oklahoma City.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 8, 2025

If the Lakers go 2-2 in the final four games, they will clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, so there is a lot at stake still in a crowded standings group.

In James' last game against the Thunder, he had 19 points with seven assists in 34 minutes.

During the year, the Lakers superstar is averaging 24.5 points with 8.4 assists and 7.9 rebounds.

The Lakers face the Mavericks on the road on Wednesday before facing the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers to conclude the regular season.

The Lakers and Thunder game tips off at 8:00 pm ET at the Paycom Center.

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

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