Is LeBron James Playing Tonight? Exploring Lakers Star’s Status vs. Houston

Coming off a thrilling win against the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers are surging at just the right time. Wednesday night, April 9, was a statement game, not just for the team but especially for Luka Dončić, who returned to Dallas for the first time since being traded to the Lakers on February 2.

With the eyes of the basketball world on him, Dončić didn’t disappoint as he torched his former team with 45 points and sent a loud message to Mavericks fans and the league alike. LeBron James played the role of veteran co-star to perfection by dropping 27 points and orchestrating the offense when needed.

Now with momentum on their side, the Lakers gear up for their next challenge: the Houston Rockets. But the question on every fan’s mind is: Will LeBron James be suiting up tonight?

LeBron James’s Status Before the Rockets Matchup

As of the latest injury report by ESPN, James has been listed as probable for tonight’s matchup against the Houston Rockets.

The designation stems from a lingering groin injury that has been bothering the Lakers star for a few weeks. While the “probable” tag generally suggests a high likelihood of playing, the Lakers — and James himself — tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to health, especially this late in the season.

Rockets injury report for Friday @ Lakers: Jae'Sean Tate (right ankle soreness) is OUT.

Alperen Sengun (personal reasons), Jabari Smith Jr. (left groin soreness) and Fred VanVleet (right ankle soreness) are questionable.

Lakers say LeBron James is probable, Maxi Kleber out.

— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) April 11, 2025

The 40-year-old reportedly sustained the groin injury during the Lakers’s March 8 game against the Boston Celtics. The Lakers star had to leave the game with 6:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. Still, he managed to score 22 points in that game.

“I looked at the score … I was like, ‘Oh s***. Those are moments you live for, especially in a game like this, not being out there. So I was cheering on the guys while I was back here,” said James during the post-game interview after the March 8 game.

Despite these injuries, James has not compromised his play. He is currently averaging 24.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. If he suits up — and all signs point to him doing so — fans can expect his usual veteran presence and leadership on the court.

Current State of Lakers and Rockets

As the NBA regular season approaches its climax, the Western Conference gears up for a battle. The Rockets currently hold the second seed with a 52-28 record, while the Lakers are close behind in third place at 49-31. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season, and both have already clinched their playoff spots from the Western Conference.

Dončić remains a crucial player on the Lakers’ team alongside James, who offers unique strategic value to the game. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks from the Rockets will create a challenging matchup.