LeBron James Set to Play Against Charlotte Hornets
LeBron James will take the court when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Charlotte Hornets on January 15, 2026. The Lakers star does not appear on the injury report, confirming his availability for the home game at Crypto.com Arena.
James recently played on consecutive nights, showing no signs of fatigue or physical issues. This indicates he is fully ready to contribute against the visiting Hornets team.
James Continues to Defy Age at 41
At 41 years old, LeBron James continues to log significant minutes for the Lakers. He delivers consistent results night after night, anchoring a team that has started the season with an impressive 24-10 record.
With Luka Doncic now handling primary playmaking duties, James has adjusted his role slightly. However, his influence on both ends of the floor remains unmistakable and crucial to the team's success.
Game Setup and Recent Performance
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Charlotte Hornets with tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Charlotte enters the game with a 14-26 record, having struggled to establish rhythm on both offense and defense.
Los Angeles comes in after a strong win over Atlanta earlier in the week. In that victory, James finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double performance.
The Hornets will likely rely on LaMelo Ball for offensive production, along with rookie Kon Knueppel. However, they face a difficult challenge against a Lakers team that has been playing exceptionally well at home.
James' Current Form and Statistics
LeBron James is averaging 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season. He recently completed a demanding stretch of five games in seven nights without taking any rest.
His output has remained steady throughout this period. In his most recent game against the Sacramento Kings, James finished with 22 points while maintaining his usual efficiency.
With no injury concerns reported, James is expected to play his regular minutes against Charlotte. He continues to score effectively inside, create opportunities off the dribble, and find open teammates consistently.
Injury Report and Expected Lineups
The Los Angeles Lakers approach this game close to full strength. Their projected starting lineup features:
- Luka Doncic
- LeBron James
- Rui Hachimura
- Marcus Smart
- Deandre Ayton
Charlotte faces multiple availability concerns that could limit their rotation depth. Key players with injury status include:
- Mason Plumlee (out)
- Collin Sexton (questionable)
- Diabate (questionable)
How to Watch and Betting Odds
The game will air on SportsNet LA and FDSSE for television viewers. Streaming options include Fubo and Prime Video platforms.
Betting markets favor the Lakers by 4.5 points for this matchup. The over/under total is set at 233.5 points. With LeBron James confirmed available, Los Angeles enters the game with a clear advantage according to oddsmakers.
