LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James returned to the lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls after missing the past three games because of a right hip contusion and arthritis in his left foot.
James, 41, is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and seven assists in 44 games this season, his 23rd in the NBA. He had been a game-time decision to play against the Bulls but was confirmed to be available before tip-off.
The Lakers won all three games without James, including impressive victories over the New York Knicks on Saturday and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. Los Angeles is 40-25 and came into the night fourth in the Western Conference with a chance to move ahead of the idle Houston Rockets, who have the same record.
Marcus Smart did not play Thursday because of a right hip contusion but coach JJ Redick expressed optimism the veteran guard would be available against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
The Lakers were down to two healthy centers as Jaxson Hayes was sidelined due to soreness in his back, while Maxi Kleber is expected to miss some time because of a lingering lumbar back strain, Redick said. Los Angeles was awaiting test results on Hayes to determine the severity of his injury.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.
Already a subscriber? Login Here
“Powerful, moving, and exhilarating” Read moreSongs For A New World
All are invited to attend this silent, unprogrammed meeting where we listen for the spirit o… Read moreSan Mateo Quakers
Join us for this fun community gathering. There will be a resource fair, music and a raffle.… Read moreBelmont Senior Showcase
Exclusive film screening in San Mateo Read moreA LITTLE FELLOW: THE LEGACY OF A.P.GIANNINI
CA Is Burning said:
CA Is Burning said:
Kevin Skelly said:
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.