Is LeBron James playing tonight against the Dallas Mavericks? | February 26th, 2023 | 2022-23 NBA Season

LeBron James has played just two games since becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He last saw action for the LA Lakers on Feb. 7 against the OKC Thunder when James reached the top of the league’s scoring ladder.

He missed three straight games after the loss to the Thunder before suiting up in the last two. The Lakers have ruled him probable for tonight’s encounter against the Dallas Mavericks in Texas.

Over the All-Star weekend, the four-time MVP declared the last 23 games of the regular season as the most important of his career. Based on that assertion, he should be available tonight for head coach Darvin Ham unless he suffers a major setback to his nagging sore left foot.

The LA Lakers (28-32) are reportedly aiming to claim the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference to secure an outright playoff spot. Coincidentally, the Dallas Mavericks (32-29) have been clinging on to that seed for more than a month already.

For the Lakers to avoid the play-in tournament, they may have to get past the Mavericks to do that.

LeBron James’ team has not won against the Luka Doncic-led outfit this season. They’ve lost the previous two and are looking to get some payback tonight. In those two losses, however, the Lakers still haven’t had the new recruits.

Since the three-team trade that brought Jarred Vanderbilt, D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley to Hollywood, the Lakers have a 3-1 record. They waylaid the Golden State Warriors last Thursday even when James and Anthony Davis combined for just 25 points.

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What is LeBron James’ impact for the LA Lakers?

LeBron James' impact on the LA Lakers is still unmatched by anyone in Darvin Ham's roster.

LeBron James has been impressively doing what the LA Lakers have asked of him. He’s been their best playmaker and best scorer despite playing in his 20th season already.

When Anthony Davis was sidelined for 5 ½ weeks due to a right foot stress injury, the four-time champ played like an MVP.

Rob Pelinka’s trade deadline moves have made the Lakers a better, deeper and more well-balanced team than ever before. Nonetheless, it remains James’ squad to lead.

With superior talent surrounding him, he’s taken a slightly more reserve role. He’s averaging 25.0 points in his last two games after hitting 33.0 PPG over the last two months. James also contributed 7.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists over the same stretch.

For some reason, Anthony Davis still hasn’t completely taken over this team like many expected him to. Before the aforementioned foot injury, it looked like he was on his way to exceeding those hefty expectations.

That doesn’t seem to be the case now as AD has struggled a bit since returning from a long layoff.

The LA Lakers will be competitive this season. But, they’ll be in a much tougher situation if LeBron James is sidelined.