Is LeBron James playing tonight against Minnesota Timberwolves? Exploring 4x MVP's status for back-to-back (Dec. 2)

LeBron James' LA Lakers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. They will play on the second night of a back-to-back amid a four-game road trip. James has played all games, including back-to-backs this season. The Lakers benefitted from it and managed a 12-8 record. For now, James is not on the injury report and can be considered available.

However, James' performance has dropped off after the initial few weeks. The star forward, who turns 40 in December, has struggled with his efficiency on both ends amid a rough stretch, where the Lakers have gone 2-4 in a six-game span.

LeBron James has averaged 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 9.2 assists, but shooting only 44.7%, including 22.9% from 3-point range in that duration. His defense hasn't been up to the mark, especially in transition, where he's often been slow in getting back, and that has hurt the team.

It has also contributed to James being a team-worse -11.8 on the floor over this stretch. These factors could contribute to the 39-year-old potentially taking his first night off this season. Fatigue seems to have caught up with the four-time MVP, and it won't be surprising to see him rest.

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JJ Redick also offered a cryptic response about the star players' availability, saying he would only know about it when the media is aware.

LeBron James stats vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

LeBron James has averaged 25.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 7.5 apg, 1.5 spg and 1.1 bpg against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 43 games. He holds a 32-11 record across these appearances. When the teams last met on opening night, James finished with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists on 7 of 16 shots, including 1 of 4 from 3. The Lakers won 110-103 behind Anthony Davis' 36 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Rui Hachimura had an excellent 18-point cameo.

How to watch LA Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game?

NBA TV will provide national coverage of the game between the LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Fans in local regions can tune into Spectrum SportsNet and FanDuel Sports Network - North. Viewers outside the U.S. can watch the contest online via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje