LeBron James to Return from Injuries Announced, Latest Updates on Lakers Star

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will return to the lineup Thursday against the Chicago Bulls after missing three games with multiple injuries:

James previously revealed that he was playing through elbow soreness following a loss to the Denver Nuggets on March 5, while his left foot arthritis acted up and forced him to miss additional time.

Injuries have continued to surface for the NBA's all-time leading scorer throughout his 23rd year in the association.

His season debut was delayed until Nov. 18 due to sciatica on his right side. James was later sidelined due to left foot arthritis as well, which made him ineligible for awards and All-NBA honors due to the league's 65-game requirement.

Availability wasn't a major issue for the four-time MVP prior to this year, as he appeared in at least 70 games during each of the past two seasons.

Despite the 41-year-old's health woes throughout his 2025-26 campaign, he hasn't shown too many signs of slowing down when healthy.

James has averaged 21.4 points, 7.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game this season. He's also shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point territory.

The Lakers sit tied for third in the Western Conference standings with a 40-25 record.

Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves will lead Los Angeles' offense until James is able to return.