With the NBA All-Star break done and dusted, attention will now turn to the Los Angeles Lakers’ second half of the season. LeBron James sat out the All-Star game, much to the chagrin of a large section of NBA fans, but Lakers fans will likely be overjoyed at him getting a whole week’s worth of rest.
Belief in the Lakers has been renewed ever since the seismic trade to bring Luka Dončić to the City of Angels. Since the blockbuster trade, Dončić has played two games in a Lakers uniform, averaging 15 points in 23.5 minutes a game.
Owing to the calf injury he suffered during Christmas, the Lakers have been managing Dončić’s minutes. However, head coach JJ Redick confirmed that Dončić will be freed of those shackles when they face off against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers Injury Report: Luka Dončić Good To Go, Concern Around LeBron James
While Dončić has been given the green light to wreak havoc against Charlotte, there is some concern around James, especially given the fact that he pulled out of the All-Star Game at the last minute.
Lakers coach JJ Redick on Luka Doncic: "He’ll be fine. That extra five-six days of All-Star break was good for him. His minutes will be up tomorrow. And I don’t think that there’s going to be any sort of restrictions going forward."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 19, 2025
Two names have been listed on the Lakers’ injury report for tonight. James is listed as questionable owing to left foot soreness, and center Maxi Kleber is the other name on the injury report. Kleber is currently recovering from surgery after he fractured his right foot in a 122-107 loss to the Boston Celtics last month.
ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Lakers could opt to leave James out of this game since they have a back-to-back outing against the Portland Trail Blazers to keep an eye on.
The Lakers’ injury report for Wednesday vs. CHA: pic.twitter.com/O2muxWnzUZ
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 19, 2025
Elsewhere, the Lakers will have the services of both Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith, two players who missed their last game against the Utah Jazz, which ended in a 131-119 loss.
Dončić had 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a steal in that loss in 23 minutes on the court.
Starting center Jaxson Hayes will also make a return after missing most of the loss to the Jazz. Hayes was ruled out of the final three quarters with a facial contusion but is expected to be back in the lineup tonight.
