Is LeBron James playing tonight against Phoenix Suns? Latest on 4x NBA MVP's status (Oct. 25)

LeBron James will play on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. The four-time NBA MVP is not on the LA Lakers' injury report. However, with LeBron and Co. playing on the front end of a back-to-back, there were concerns about his availability. It seems like the plan for him is to play against Phoenix and figure out his participation against Sacramento on Saturday.

Coach JJ Redick said the same thing about LeBron and Anthony Davis' availability during back-to-backs, suggesting the team would take a call on the morning of back-end games based on the stars' conditioning. The Lakers will be cautious with both, especially LeBron, who will turn 40 on Dec. 30 and is in his 22nd NBA season.

The Lakers' hopes of winning another championship under his leadership depend on James' health. That is one of their primary concerns. LeBron's workload hasn't been light since the 2023 Western Conference Finals run.

He has played 103 games in 19 months before the 2024 preseason, including the 16 playoff games in 2023, 71 regular season games in 2023-24, five 2024 postseason games and 11 Team USA games in the summer.

LeBron James stats vs. Phoenix Suns

LeBron James has averaged 26.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 7.4 apg in 45 games against the Phoenix Suns. He has shot 52.5%, including 37.6% from 3.

LeBron had an incredible run in the 2023-24 season series against LA's division rivals. He tallied 24.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 9.4 apg in five outings, shooting 52.3%, including 39.1% from 3.

The Lakers won the season series 3-2, beating the Suns twice in the In-Season Tournament. LeBron continued his fine form against Phoenix in the preseason, too. He had 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 16 minutes in the Oct. 6 game. James added two blocks and shot 8 of 12.

The Suns' lack of size allows him to thrive in that matchup. LeBron James will hope he can have a similar impact as preseason after a quiet outing in Tuesday's season opener against Minnesota. He tallied 16 points, five rebounds and four assists, shooting 43.8%.