Is LeBron James playing tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies? March 7th, 2023 | 2022-23 NBA Season

LeBron James injured his right foot while driving to the basket in a game between the LA Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks last February 26. He has since missed the Lakers’ last four games and will continue to do so for at least the next three weeks.

A few days after the game against the Mavericks, the Lakers announced that James had a right foot tendon injury. Fortunately, he is not expected to need surgery to fix the issue. The team is hopeful that rest and recovery will be enough to get him back 100% healthy before the regular season ends.

LeBron James will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks after injuring his foot. He will then be re-evaluated by the team’s medical staff to see if he has progressed as expected.

The timing of James’ injury couldn’t have been more unfortunate as the Lakers are desperately trying to nail at least a play-in spot. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham revealed after the All-Star break that his team was looking at the No. 6 seed and an outright playoff berth as their target.

Losing “King James” to injury certainly muddles up the dream scenario the Lakers were aspiring to accomplish.

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What is LeBron James’ status tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies?

LeBron James is officially ruled out for tonight’s matchup between the LA Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies. He will miss his fifth straight game and 19th for the season.

The Lakers were already bracing to finish their season without the NBA’s all-time leading scorer when the injury was determined. Although they are hoping the rest and recovery will be enough, they’re also prepared for the worst.

Last season, James admitted that he was hurt following his team’s elimination from playoff contention. He vowed not to miss the postseason in his career. Whether the Lakers make it to the playoffs or not may be entirely out of his hands if he is sidelined longer than expected.

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When will LeBron James return?

LeBron James, who is moving around with a walking boot, does not have a specific return date to play again. [photo: Silver Screen and Roll]

Last season, the 19x NBA All-Star played 56 games. He has seen action just 47 times this season and could be out for the remainder of the regular season depending on his recovery.

Shams Charania had this to say about James’ latest injury status:

“They need LeBron James back in the lineup (but) we don’t know when that will be. Three-week reevaluation for him, and even after that, I don’t know that the Lakers think he’s going to be back in three weeks. I don’t think it’ll be just the three weeks. Likely beyond that.

"And so you’re putting yourself in a position where you hope he’s back right before the playoffs, or he gets back for the play-in.”

The LA Lakers and basketball fans will learn more about “King James’” return timetable after he is re-evaluated in three weeks. Until then, Laker Nation can only hope that he recovers as expected or the Lakers can push for a postseason spot without the GOAT candidate.