LeBron James wasn’t on the floor Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers absorbed a lopsided loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Now, his availability for the next game remains uncertain.
The Lakers announced Thursday that James is questionable for Friday’s home matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks as he continues to manage arthritis in his left foot joint and sciatica on his right side, the same combination of issues that sidelined him against San Antonio.
For a team that had been building momentum, the timing matters.
Status Uncertain After the Spurs Loss
Los Angeles entered Wednesday riding a strong stretch, but the absence of its leader was felt immediately in a 107–91 defeat. The loss dropped the Lakers to 23–12, sliding them to third place in the Western Conference and marking their first loss of 2026.
James’ condition hasn’t improved enough to guarantee a quick return. According to the team, both injuries remain active concerns, placing his status firmly in day-to-day territory.
At 41, the Lakers appear to be weighing short-term results against long-term health.
Why Friday’s Game Is a Pivot Point
If James sits again on Friday, it would give him five full days of rest before the Lakers’ next game on Monday against the Sacramento Kings. That gap looms as a natural reset, one that could help calm lingering soreness that tends to flare up after game action.
The Bucks, however, present a difficult test to navigate shorthanded. Milwaukee brings size, pace, and physicality, making James’ two-way presence especially valuable if he’s able to go.
Whether the Lakers push for his return or opt for patience could signal how they plan to manage him moving forward.
A Small Boost Elsewhere on the Roster
While James’ status remains uncertain, the Lakers did receive a bit of encouraging news.
Rui Hachimura has been upgraded to questionable after missing the last five games with a right calf strain. The forward has been trending in the right direction, and there’s optimism he could return against Milwaukee, providing some frontcourt stability if James is held out again.
It’s not a replacement for LeBron, but it helps.