Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

LeBron James Reacts to Big NBA News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 10:34 PM ET

LeBron James is sitting out the Los Angeles Lakers’ matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. It’s the second night of a back-to-back set for L.A., and James will be sidelined after sustaining an elbow injury in Thursday’s 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

James was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter after hitting his elbow on the ground. He was unable to close out the contest, finishing with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, five rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block in 34 minutes of action.

James’ elbow injury does not seem to be serious, but he will miss at least one game because of it.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Arguably the biggest headline in the NBA on Friday is the return of Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum. The 6-foot-8 forward played in his first game since rupturing his right Achilles in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in May last year.

It has been a long and difficult journey for Tatum over the past 10 months or so, and he finally made his long-awaited comeback on Friday. The six-time All-Star marked his return against the Dallas Mavericks, helping lead Boston to a 120-100 victory.

Tatum logged 27 minutes in his season debut, registering 15 points on 6-of-16 shooting, 12 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and three triples.

James took to social media to send a message to Tatum amid his successful return.

“WELCOME BACK BIG DEUCE!!! @jaytatum0 ” the Lakers star posted on X.

WELCOME BACK BIG DEUCE!!! @jaytatum0
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 7, 2026

Tatum has cemented himself as an elite superstar in the NBA. Fans have missed watching him in action, and James is also clearly delighted to see Tatum return.

Unfortunately, the Lakers and the Celtics are no longer scheduled to face off in the regular season. Boston got the better of L.A. this year, 2-0.

Both teams, however, are in playoff contention. Their only chance to meet again in 2025-26 would be in the NBA Finals.

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

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