Image Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Lakers vs Hornets: Will LeBron James play tonight? Latest injury update on Lakers superstar

LeBron James missed the 2025 All-Star Game due to ankle soreness.

Image Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

The NBA is getting back in action after the annual All-Star week break. In the first game after the three-day extravaganza, the league will see the Lakers hosting Charlotte Hornets in a highly-anticipated clash at the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, February 19.

The Lakers are coming on the back of a 131-119 blowout loss to the Jazz in the re-match of their previous meeting. On the other hand, the struggling Hornets slumped to the Orlando Magic 102-86 in their last game.

While it is expected to be a lop-sided match, there are various reasons for fans to get excited for the fixture. This will be the first time both teams will be against each other since the Mark Williams trade drama that involved Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish.

Williams had almost gotten traded to the Lakers, but the deal got rescinded because of his failed physical. As a result, all players returned to their respective sides and are likely to face each other in the upcoming game.

Apart from them, all eyes will be on the Lakers icon LeBron James, who missed his 21st All-Star Game due to ankle soreness.

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Will LeBron James play against the Hornets tonight?

40-year-old LeBron James, who made his 21st All-Star appearance this weekend, didn’t play the All-Star Game. Ahead of the star-studded match up, James announced that he would not participate in the game due to ankle soreness.

While announcing his decision, James revealed his plans of returning to Los Angeles for his rehabilitation. While the fans were hoping to see him back in action, the latest injury report has listed him questionable for the forthcoming game.

Shortest Lakers injury report I can remember seeing for tomorrow against the Hornets pic.twitter.com/QwCgGMsb0N
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) February 19, 2025

Moreover, as per the latest reports by ESPN reporter Shams Charania, James will be re-evaluated today and is most likely to not play in one of the next two games, including the Hornets clash.

“I am told that LeBron James will be re-evaluated later today, and there is optimism that he won’t be able to play in one of the next two games against Charlotte at home on Wednesday or Thursday in Portland,” the NBA Insider said.

🚨 LeBron may sit out the next 2 Lakers games pic.twitter.com/8ZeutuJWEU
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) February 18, 2025

Notably, James was a part of the Shaq’s OGs, who eventually won the All-Star Game by taking down Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25 in the final. The star forward is averaging at 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game this season.

Apart from him, the report has listed Maxi Kleber out with right foot surgery recovery. Notably, Kleber was a part of the shocking deal that sent Luka Doncic and Markieff Morris to the Lakers ahead of the 2025 trade deadline.

Charlotte Hornets

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.