Will LeBron James Play Today? All About LeBron James’ Availability for the Game vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to wrap up their 2024-25 regular season by clashing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, April 13. The Lakers are coming off a blowout 140-109 win over the Houston Rockets, the victory that sealed their spot in the playoffs, seeding them No. 3. The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, have been kicked out of the playoffs race. 

With the regular season winding down, the outcome of the forthcoming game won’t change fate for either the Lakers or the Trail Blazers. Hence, the Lakers have decided to rest many of their stars and will be heavily shorthanded for the Sunday noon showdown. Heading into the postseason, the side has decided to keep many players out and preserve their energy for the playoffs. 

Will LeBron James Play Today? 

During the clash against the Rockets, LeBron James appeared to suffer a groin discomfort, which compelled him to walk out before the midway point of the third quarter. The four-time champion played for only 22 minutes and scored 14 points, four rebounds and eight assists. While it was enough to dash their hopes of winning the championship, head coach JJ Redick shared an update stating that the 40-year-old is doing fine.  

Also Read: NBA Western Conference Playoff Scenarios – Nuggets, Warriors, Clippers Among Teams Trying To Avoid Play-In in the Race to Postseason

However, Redick didn’t want to risk anything and wanted to preserve the energy for the most crucial leg of the season. Hence, the Lakers will head into the game without LeBron James and all of their starting core. 

Apart from the 21-time All-Star, the Lakers will be without names like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, etc. Let’s break down the entire injury report for the Lakers ahead of their season finale against the Trail Blazers. 

Luka Doncic- Out (Left quad soreness)
Dorian Finney-Smith- Out (Left ankle effusion)
Jordan Goodwin- Probable (Right plantar fasciitis)
Rui Hachimura- Out (Left patellar tendinopathy)
Jaxson Hayes- Questionable (Right hand contusion)
LeBron James- Out (Left groin strain)
Maxi Kleber- Out (Right foot surgery recovery)
Austin Reaves- Out (Right ankle sprain)
Jarred Vanderbilt – Questionable (Left foot injury management)
Gabe Vincent- Questionable (Left knee effusion)

This will be the fourth time both teams will clash against each other season. The Lakers emerged victorious in the previous three meetings.

Also Read: ‘Eagles, Florida Gators, I Only Root for Winners’ – JJ Redick Gives Hilarious Reply to Reporter’s NFL Team Query!