Is LeBron James playing tonight against Warriors? Latest update on Lakers star ahead of matchup (10th May 2023)

Ahead of a pivotal Game 5 in Golden State tonight, many are wondering whether LeBron James is playing tonight? As James and Anthony Davis continue to nurse lower body injuries, it looks as though all systems are a go with both men listed as 'probable' for Wednesday.

With LA up 3-1 over the Warriors, Game 5 could see the Lakers close out the series on the Warriors' home court. As the Warriors look to stave off elimination, James and Davis being healthy could give the Lakers a lift in their hopes of raising another title.

Game 5 tips off at 9 p.m. CT with TNT handling broadcasting duties for the event.

Should LeBron James play in the LA Lakers’ closeout game?

Although the expectation is that LeBron James will play through his ankle soreness given that this is a closeout game, not everyone agrees. According to renowned reporter Mike Greenberg, the Lakers should consider resting James.

The take generated plenty of controversy across the board, with the exception of Fox Sports’ Doug Gottlieb, who suggested that the team rests James more during the game. After having just one day to prepare following the Lakers’ big Game 4 win in LA, LeBron James could use an easy night after playing 42 minutes on Monday night.

According to head coach Darvin Ham, however, James still has more in the tank. As The Athletic’s Jovan Buha wrote, Ham continues to imply that James is conserving energy and resting himself for a deep playoff run. With the Lakers now emerging as one of the most dominant teams in the NBA this postseason given that they have yet to lose at home, his hopes for a big push could come true.

With Game 6 on tap for Wednesday night, and a potential Game 6 back in LA on Friday, only time will tell how things play out for the LA Lakers and LeBron James.