Is LeBron James playing tonight against Denver Nuggets? Latest on Lakers superstar's status as he approaches 40,000 points (March 2, 2024)

LeBron James of the LA Lakers is available ahead of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. James has been dealing with a left ankle injury since the start of the year. He has missed five games due to the injury, but he has not been a late scratch for games all season.

"The King" is having another fantastic season despite being the oldest player in the league. He's averaging 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 52.5% from the field, 40.8% from beyond the arc and 73.6% from the free-throw line.

James is also closing in on becoming the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points. He's nine points away from the landmark, and it will likely happen on Friday against the defending champions. It has been almost a decade since he was held under nine points in a game.

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What happened to LeBron James?

LeBron James has been dealing with peroneal tendinopathy in his left ankle since the start of 2024.

James is a regular on the LA Lakers injury report and has missed five games due to the injury. He got some treatment for his ankle during the All-Star break but missed the Lakers' first game back on Feb. 22 against the Golden State Warriors.

Before his left ankle problems, "The King" was dealing with a left calf injury from the Nov. 2 to Dec. 3. He suffered the injury against the Phoenix Suns after accidentally running into Kevin Durant's knees. He missed three games in a month because of it.

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LeBron James stats vs. LA Clippers

LeBron James has faced the Denver Nuggets 42 times in his storied career. He averages 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game against them but has a losing 20-22 record.

As a member of the LA Lakers, James is 7-7 against the Nuggets. It's not a pretty record, but Denver has been one of the best teams in the West since 2018. His career high vs. the Nuggets is 39 points, which happened on Mar. 7, 2018, when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James' worst performance against them has happened during his sitnt with the Lakers. He had 14 points on 5-for-15 shooting on Nov. 27, 2018. With thousands in attendance at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, it would be difficult to see "The King" not reach 40,000.

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