Is LeBron James playing tonight against Pelicans? Latest injury update on Lakers' star ahead of matchup (14th March 2023)

For the first time since injuring his right foot against the Dallas Mavericks last February 26, LeBron James finally took off his walking boot. The LA Lakers superstar came out to watch his team take on the New York Knicks last Sunday without a contraption.

James was animated as usual, cheering and encouraging his teammates to keep competing. He looked fine moving around with just his sneakers on his feet.

The LA Lakers have ruled out LeBron James tonight versus the New Orleans Pelicans. Interestingly, the reason for his inclusion in the said report has changed from a right foot tendon injury to right foot soreness. The difference may just be semantics, but it is a development that will surely cause Laker Nation to be a little more excited.

The four-time MVP will still be re-evaluated next week, which will help determine when he can return to play. Despite the recent positive news, he could still be sidelined until at least the last few days of March.

Avoiding surgery means he could still join the team before the regular-season ends. However, if tests show he hasn’t recovered as hoped, he may not play again this season unless the Lakers make the play-in or the playoffs.

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What is LeBron James’ status tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans?

LeBron James will be unavailable for the LA Lakers when they square off against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. The four-time NBA champ is still recovering from a right foot injury he suffered versus the Dallas Mavericks two weeks ago.

James has already missed 21 games this season and will continue to add to that total until he is cleared by the medical staff to play.

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When will LeBron James return?

LeBron James’ return date will be a little bit clearer after his re-evaluation next week. The LA Lakers will be quietly hoping they can have him back before the month ends.

The 19x All-Star may also need a little more time to ramp up his conditioning after keeping himself away from any basketball activity. April might be his earliest possible return to basketball.

The Lakers could certainly use his help as they try to nail at least a spot in the play-in tournament. After their loss to the New York Knicks last Sunday, they’re now ninth in the Western Conference with a 33-35 record.

James’ team has the same record as the New Orleans Pelicans and the OKC Thunder but is the ninth seed because of a superior tiebreak. LA holds a 2-1 edge over the Pelicans in their head-to-head matchup heading into tonight’s game.

Things will only get more interesting if New Orleans manages to tie the season series against the Lakers.

If LeBron James can return early next month, he could do so against the Houston Rockets on April 2. Given how congested the Western Conference is, James’ possible availability could determine the Lakers’ playoff aspirations.