UPDATE: Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica/arthritis) has been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Boston Celtics, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
It appears that LeBron James will have to wait till at least Sunday to begin another 10+ points streak. Less than 24 hours after being held to eight points in a regular season contest for the first time since 2007, James has been listed as doubtful for tonight’s tilt against the Celtics. Luka Doncic (personal) has been ruled out and will miss both legs of the Lakers’ back-to-back set.
James’ return from a lengthy injury absence to begin 2025-26 has been underwhelming, but only because of the 40-year-old’s lofty expectations. In six games, the former MVP is averaging just 14.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, all while shooting a putrid 41.3% from the floor. Again, these are perfectly acceptable stats from someone weeks away from turning 41 — expect when your name is LeBron James.
With no Doncic, and likely no James on Friday, Los Angeles will continue to lean heavily on Austin Reaves. After a 44-point, 10-assist double-double in Thursday’s narrow victory in Toronto, Reaves in now averaging an eye-popping 36.8 points per 75 possessions with Doncic off the floor this season. The former undrafted free agent is well on his way to an All-Star nod.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Lakers are 8.5-point underdogs in Boston.
