Lakers’ LeBron James Doubtful vs. Bucks, D’Angelo Russell Poised To Return

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is doubtful to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday (3/26). The NBA icon is dealing with soreness in his left ankle. 

D’Angelo Russell, who missed the Lakers’ game versus the Indiana Pacers on Sunday (3/24) with a non-COVID illness, is not on the injury report for Milwaukee.

Lakers injury report for Milwaukee: LeBron is doubtful pic.twitter.com/3RNUUwHEn8

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 25, 2024

The Lakers are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 39-32. They are 2.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors for ninth place and 2.5 games back of the Dallas Mavericks for eighth place.

Seeds 1-6 automatically qualify for the 2024 postseason, while seeds 7-10 compete in the play-in tournament. 

“It’s been flip-flopping so much over the last few weeks, I kind of stopped looking at it,” LeBron said of the West standings, via The Athletic. “Just kind of just like focusing on each game at a time. So, obviously, we know where we are right now. Just continue trying to play some good basketball. That’s a very testy road trip for us. … But we’re looking forward to it.”

LeBron is averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists this season while shooting 53.0% from the field, 40.6% from beyond the arc and 75.1% from the free-throw line. The NBA legend, who is 39, continues to defy Father Time. 

The Lakers’ next six games are on the road. They face the Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies, Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. 

“It’s very rare,” LeBron said. “I can’t remember in my career where I’ve had such a late East Coast road trip, or vice versa when I was in the East going to the West so late in the season, so that’s challenging.”

The Lakers beat the Bucks on March 8 at home behind 44 points from Russell. LeBron didn’t play in that game either. 

Los Angeles is ninth in the NBA in points per game, 23rd in points per game allowed and 19th in net rating. They are currently on a three-game winning streak.