'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAcACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABcAAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABxAAAgEEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIEAAMFEQgSBgcUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFEQACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABIQACAxEx/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCXRONPnIhY2KYOEF3HiaZMgv3aUbqK1pWUjS9daLbNSu7xq9nJddftgjTEaW6dUpRNNr5VAHGyS2XETnTQseT/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The NBA’s all-time scoring leader has been ruled questionable, yet again, by the LA Lakers. James has been dealing with a sore left ankle for nearly two months already but has largely played through it.
The last time he missed a game due to the same issue was against the Brooklyn Nets last Jan. 30. He’s played in the Lakers’ last four games and has been putting up one super performance after another.
The newly-named NBA All-Star starter had another impeccable performance versus the OKC Thunder last Tuesday but couldn’t lead the Lakers to a win. He played 34 minutes and finished with 38 points, two more than what was needed to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time scoring record.
The Lakers, though, lost back-to-back games against the slumping New Orleans Pelicans last Saturday and the Thunder the other night. They’re still in 13th place in the Western Conference but just two games behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the 10th spot in their conference.
If the four-time NBA MVP is unavailable, Rui Hachimura could take his place in the starting unit. Darvin Ham could also bring in one of the new Lakers wing players, Jarred Vanderbilt or Malik Beasley, to take James’ spot.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains probable for the Milwaukee Bucks tonight versus the vastly-retooled LA Lakers. Antetokounmpo has been playing through a sore right knee but has been available in the Bucks’ last eight games after sitting out the previous five.
The Bucks are unbeaten since the two-time MVP’s return.
Milwaukee couldn’t stop Anthony Davis and LeBron James in their first matchup in Wisconsin and will be out for revenge tonight. The two NBA All-Star captains will square off tonight if James (ankle) is available.
Unless Antetkounmpo suffers a huge setback after the morning shootaround, he should be leading the Bucks against the LA Lakers.
Anthony Davis: Right foot stress injury; Injured since December 16, 2023
Anthony Davis, the LA Lakers’ superstar big man, is probable when his team hosts the Milwaukee Bucks tonight. AD returned to action last Jan. 25 after 5 ½ on the sidelines due to a right foot stress injury. He has played six of the Lakers’ last seven games.
Davis was disappointingly passive and almost disengaged in the Lakers’ embarrassing loss to the OKC Thunder two nights ago. He played 31 minutes but finished with just 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
Anthony Davis, who was one of the biggest snubs in the NBA All-Star game later this month, outplayed Giannis Antetokounmpo in their first meeting. He better be on that same level or the Lakers could get blown off the court against the sizzling-hot Bucks.
DeMar DeRozan: Right hip soreness; Injured since February 6, 2023
DeMar DeRozan has been dealing with right hip soreness and missed the Bulls’ game versus the Memphis Grizzlies the other night. He is questionable when they visit the new-look Brooklyn Nets, who just stunningly traded former NBA MVP Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns.
DeRozan has only missed four games this season and could miss a fifth one if his status does not change.
Patrick Williams and Zach LaVine will continue to have bigger loads on offense if the newly-named NBA All-Star does not play.
