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Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James, who has been a late scratch in the LA Lakers’ past two games, is still questionable. He remains iffy for tonight’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.
James has been dealing with left ankle soreness for nearly two months. He last sat out due to a similar issue back on Jan. 30 in a 121-104 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
The LA Lakers will have a clearer idea of LeBron James’ status after this morning's shootaround and during his pregame warmups. If he hasn’t improved by much, he could miss his 13th game of the season tonight.
The newly-named NBA All-Star team captain hasn’t played with his new teammates yet. He hasn’t officially taken the court with the recent acquisitions Lakers GM Rob Pelinka orchestrated before the trade deadline.
LeBron James was in Glendale, Arizona, yesterday to watch Super Bowl LVII with his wife, Savannah. His presence there might signal he’s not ready for NBA action just yet.
Rui Hachimura, who the Lakers also traded before Feb. 9, could start in LeBron James’ place if the superstar remains out.
Meanwhile, James’ co-superstar with the LA Lakers, Anthony Davis, is probable to play. AD missed 5½ weeks due to a right foot stress injury and returned only last Jan. 25. He has, however, only missed one game since playing against the San Antonio Spurs on the said date.
Davis, who didn’t make it to the NBA All-Star game, is still trying to find his form. AD is averaging 22.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists since returning to action. He’s still working his way into MVP-level play after a long layoff.
Anthony Davis struggled with his shot against the Golden State Warriors last Saturday, making just 5-12 field-goal attempts. He finished with 13 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.
He is expected to be available against the Portland Trail Blazers unless he suffers a setback.
Andrew Wiggins: Right ankle sprain; Injured since February 11, 2023
The Golden State Warriors have ruled Andrew Wiggins questionable for tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. The former NBA All-Star likely acquired the injury in last Saturday’s 109-103 loss to the LA Lakers.
“Wiggs” played 31 minutes but made just 5-13 shots to finish with 12 points, five rebounds and an assist. Golden State hasn’t enjoyed the same production from Wiggins since the forward was forced into a lengthy layoff due to a groin injury.
Wiggins averaged 19.1 points on a career-high 51.1% from the field and a career-best 45.0% from deep in 22 games before the said injury. He’s putting up roughly 12.0 PPG and 4.0 RPG since his return.
Jonathan Kuminga will likely take his place in the starting five if Wiggins is unfit to play tonight.
Joel Embiid: Left foot soreness; Injured since November 19, 2022
Joel Embiid sprained his left foot on Nov. 19 in a 112-109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The newly-named NBA All-Star returned five games later but has been dealing with left foot soreness ever since.
Embiid has been on the Philadelphia 76ers' injury report almost every night for the same reason for more than two months already. He was sidelined for the same issue last Jan. 21 versus the Sacramento Kings but has played in nine consecutive games.
The soon-to-be seven-time NBA All-Star could get some well-deserved break when Philly hosts the Houston Rockets tonight. Montrezl Harrell is expected to start in his place if he’s sidelined.
