Is LeBron James playing tonight against Rockets? Latest injury update on Lakers' star ahead of matchup (15th March 2023)

LA Lakers star LeBron James has now missed eight straight games with a foot injury. While the four-time MVP seems to be progressing, there is no telling when he will make his long-awaited return to the lineup.

After picking up a win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, the Lakers are back in action again tonight. This time against a struggling Houston Rockets team.

The Lakers have not submitted their injury report yet, so the assumption should be that LeBron James will remain out. One positive note is that he participated in a shootaround Tuesday afternoon before LA's matchup with the Pelicans.

It goes without saying how badly the Lakers need LeBron back in the lineup. As the regular season comes to a close, they are one of the many Western Conference teams fighting for a playoff spot. After their win in New Orleans, LA jumped into tenth place.

There is still a chance for the Lakers to climb as they are only two games behind the sixth-placed LA Clippers. If LeBron comes back soon and they go on a run, they might be able to avoid going through the play-in tournament.

How have the LA Lakers fared without LeBron James recently?

Earlier in the year, the LA Lakers struggled to compete on nights LeBron James didn't play. However, that hasn't been the case in this recent stretch without the 19-time All-Star.

Over their last eight games, the Lakers have a record of 5-3. This includes victories over Western Conference foes like the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies.

One reason why the Lakers have been able to stay competitive is because of Anthony Davis. During this stretch, he has done an incredible job leading the charge as the team's lone star.

In this stretch without LeBron, AD is averaging 27.9 points, 13.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 blocks. If he can maintain this level of play when his running mate returns, LA will once again have one of the fiercest duos in the NBA.

Another player who has stepped up in a big way is the newly acquired D'Angelo Russell. He is averaging 26.0 points and 6.7 assists while LeBron has been sidelined.

Picking up multiple depth pieces at the trade deadline has proven to be beneficial for the Lakers. With this newfound depth, they've been able to stay afloat while LeBron heals up. That being said, if they want to make noise in the playoffs, they need more games at full strength under their belt.