LeBron James will be available when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Chicago Bulls on January 26, 2026. His name does not appear on the official injury report, confirming he is clear to play without any restrictions. At 41 years old, now in his 23rd NBA season, James remains absolutely central to everything the Lakers do, especially during this difficult stretch away from home.
Game Context: Lakers and Bulls Meet at United Center
This game comes in the middle of an eight-game road trip that has already tested the team significantly. Travel into Chicago was notably delayed by a winter storm, adding another logistical challenge to their journey. Even so, the Lakers are moving forward with James leading a roster that is dealing with several key injuries to other players.
Los Angeles enters the night with a solid 27-17 record and momentum from a hard-fought 116-110 comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić led that victory with an impressive 33 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, helping the Lakers close strong late in the game. This matchup against the Bulls will be the fourth game of their challenging road trip.
Chicago, with a 23-22 record, is playing its best basketball of the season currently. The Bulls have won four straight games and boast a strong 15-9 record at home. The United Center has proven to be a tough venue for visiting teams, and the Bulls are looking to keep their winning streak alive against a veteran Lakers group.
LeBron James Availability and Role vs Chicago Bulls
LeBron James is expected to play without any restriction or minutes limit for this game. He finished the Dallas game with a steady 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, contributing effectively without dominating the ball excessively. This season, he is averaging 23.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.
Beyond the statistical numbers, James continues to control the pace and decision-making late in games, demonstrating his veteran leadership. With Dončić and DeAndre Ayton alongside him, his role often shifts strategically between primary scorer and offensive organizer, depending on specific matchups and game situations.
Lakers Injury Report Details
The Lakers will be without several key players due to injuries:
- Austin Reaves - Out with a left calf strain
- Adou Thiero - Out with a right MCL sprain
- Jake LaRavia - Questionable with a left quad contusion
Austin Reaves remains out, which significantly limits shooting and ball handling on the perimeter for Los Angeles. The team will need to fill those minutes internally with other players stepping up.
Bulls Injury Report Details
Chicago is also dealing with several injury concerns:
- Tre Jones - Out with a left hamstring strain
- Zach Collins - Out with a right first toe sprain
- Noa Essengue - Out for the season with left shoulder surgery
The Bulls are particularly short-handed at guard and in the frontcourt positions, which could affect their rotations and defensive matchups against the Lakers' offensive threats.
Why This Game Matters for Both Teams
With LeBron James available, the Lakers maintain their core structure at the top of the rotation. Playing on the road against a Bulls team that is performing well at home makes his presence even more valuable, giving Los Angeles much-needed stability as their extended road trip continues. For Chicago, this represents an opportunity to test themselves against one of the league's premier players and continue building momentum during their current winning streak.
