Is LeBron James playing tonight against the Boston Celtics? | January 28th, 2023

LeBron James and the LA Lakers start their five-game road trip on Saturday against the Boston Celtics. The Lakers are coming off a 113-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs three days ago. It's an important stretch for the Lakers given their desire to make the playoffs.

However, the Lakers' chances of returning to the postseason depend on the health of James, as well as Anthony Davis. "The King" has been dealing with a sore left ankle for a while now. He was even listed as questionable before Wednesday's game against the Spurs.

According to the latest injury report, James is listed as questionable due to left ankle soreness. Despite the injury, the four-time MVP has not missed a game since Jan. 9 against the Denver Nuggets.

LeBron James didn't show any signs of his ankle injury in the LA Lakers' win against the San Antonio Spurs. James finished the game one rebound shy of a triple-double. He had 20 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists, while Anthony Davis returned from injury.

Other players on the Lakers' injury report include Davis, Austin Reaves, Lonnie Walker IV, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cole Swider. Davis is listed as probable and will likely be on a minutes restriction if he plays.

Walker is questionable because of left knee tendinitis, while Pippen and Swider are assigned to the NBA G League. Reaves is still listed out due to a left hamstring strain.

Also Read: Rob Parker discredits LeBron James' recent scoring barrage, says "The King" doesn't impact winning anymore

LeBron James' ankle injury

LeBron James has not had a healthy season since joining the LA Lakers in 2018. James missed 27 games in his first year in Los Angeles due to a groin injury. He was relatively healthy in 2020, which resulted in his fourth NBA championship.

"The King" played in just 45 games in 2021 due to a variety of injuries, but mainly a sprained ankle. He appeared in 55 games last season as the Lakers missed the postseason for a second time since joining.

James' current ankle injury should be a cause for concern for the Lakers. He turned 38 years old, and even though he continues to play like a younger guy, Father Time is still undefeated. But when did he suffer the left ankle injury?

The four-time MVP accidentally stepped on Tyrese Haliburton's foot in the first quarter of their 116-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers last Nov. 28. James would aggravate the injury four days later against the Milwaukee Bucks. Khris Middleton rolled into his ankle during a play and you can watch the video of the injury below.