The Los Angeles Lakers face the New York Knicks without LeBron James as he battles multiple injuries. According to ESPN's Malik Andrews, the most recent injury he suffered came in his latest matchup against the Denver Nuggets, where he suffered an elbow injury, but it doesn't seem like that's the injury that's particularly holding him back.
Andrews said, "He was taken out of the game an hour before tip. I've been told it's more the foot than the elbow, which is something that's going to be day-to-day."
🚨Malika Andrews says LeBron's status tonight was determined more by his foot injury than his elbow pic.twitter.com/odJ2Tv3hmi
- ReavesMuse (@MuseReaves) 8 March 2026
James was able to warm up the day before the game, but he may not have been good enough to play in the game. Additionally, the Lakers want to be cautious of James, which is something they have tried to do during the season.
It is uncertain how many more games James may miss or whether he will return in the next game. The Lakers can afford to be without James for a few games with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves playing good basketball this season, but having someone like James on the court makes everything a little easier.
With about 20 or so games left in the regular season and the Lakers still fighting for seeding in the Western Conference, staying healthy will be important. The fact that James was able to get some work done before the game shows that he shouldn't be out long, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he returns sometime next week.
For now, the Lakers will have to rely on Doncic to lead them to victory, which he has no problem doing. If other key players like Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart can step up, the Lakers should be in good shape as James continues to recover.
