In a significant boost for the Los Angeles Lakers, superstar LeBron James has been declared fully available and is set to take the court when the team hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on January 4, 2026. The 41-year-old icon is not listed on the injury report, removing any doubt about his participation in the second game of a back-to-back set at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James Puts Injury Concerns to Rest
James comes into the contest having just delivered a dominant 31-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist performance in Friday night's 128-121 victory over the same Grizzlies team. He logged 36 minutes without any setbacks, signaling that the sciatica issue which caused a 14-game absence earlier in the season is firmly behind him. His steady play since returning has been a cornerstone for the Lakers, who hold a 21-11 record.
This season, James continues to defy age, averaging around 24 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. His availability is crucial for a Lakers squad dealing with multiple injuries to key role players, ensuring the offensive burden remains shared with fellow star Luka Doncic. The duo combined for 65 points in the previous win, controlling the game's decisive fourth quarter.
Lakers Look to Extend Dominance Over Short-Handed Grizzlies
The matchup heavily favors the Los Angeles Lakers, who have won five consecutive games against Memphis dating back to 2024. The Lakers aim to complete a clean sweep of the back-to-back and maintain their position near the top of the highly competitive Western Conference standings.
However, the team's depth is being tested. The injury report lists several players as out:
- Gabe Vincent (Back strain)
- Adou Thiero (Right MCL sprain)
- Rui Hachimura (Left calf soreness)
- Austin Reaves (Left calf strain)
This situation necessitates a heavy workload for the team's primary stars, James and Doncic.
Memphis Grizzlies Grapple With Lengthy Injury List
The visiting Memphis Grizzlies face an even more severe injury crisis, which could tilt the scales further in Los Angeles's favor. Their star guard, Ja Morant, is listed as questionable/out with a right calf contusion. He is joined on the sidelines by several rotation players:
- Santi Aldama (Questionable, Right ankle soreness)
- Zach Edey (Out, Ankle)
- Brandon Clarke (Out, Calf)
- John Konchar (Out, Thumb UCL surgery)
- Ty Jerome (Out, Calf strain)
With this many absences, the Grizzlies are expected to lean heavily on forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to carry the offensive and defensive load.
The stage is set for a 10:30 PM ET tip-off at Crypto.com Arena. With LeBron James confirmed in the lineup and the Grizzlies depleted, the Lakers are strongly positioned to secure another victory and continue their winning streak against their Western Conference rivals.
