Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is expected to return to the court for a high-stakes home game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, January 9, 2026. The team has officially upgraded his status to probable on the injury report, signalling a likely comeback after a one-game absence.
LeBron's Injury Status and Game-Time Decision
The four-time NBA champion missed the Lakers' previous outing, a 107-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, due to left foot joint arthritis and right-sided sciatica. This defeat brought the team's record to 23-12, placing them third in the competitive Western Conference. The decision to rest him was purely precautionary and not related to a new injury.
Earlier on Wednesday, James was listed as questionable. However, subsequent injury reports released at 3:45 PM and 4:30 PM Eastern Time provided positive news, upgrading him to probable. This progression indicates the Lakers' medical staff is satisfied with his recovery after a night of rest, making his participation in the marquee matchup highly likely.
Lakers' Roster Challenges Against a Physical Bucks Team
Even with LeBron James potentially back in the lineup, the Lakers will be severely short-handed. The team's depth will be tested as they face the physically imposing Milwaukee Bucks led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Key rotation players remain sidelined with various injuries:
- Rui Hachimura is out with a right calf strain, missing his fifth consecutive game.
- Austin Reaves continues to nurse a left calf strain.
- Adou Thiero is also unavailable due to a right MCL sprain.
These significant absences put extra pressure on LeBron James and the available players to perform against a top-tier Eastern Conference contender.
Why LeBron's Return is Crucial for the Lakers
James's possible return comes at a pivotal moment. The Lakers are looking to bounce back from their first loss of the calendar year and navigate a difficult stretch in their January schedule. Before sitting out, LeBron was in strong form, averaging 25.6 points and 6.3 assists over his last 12 games.
His presence on the floor is vital for stabilizing the offense, especially with several playmakers injured. If he plays his regular minutes, the Lakers will rely heavily on him to control the game's tempo, create scoring opportunities for himself and others, and provide veteran leadership against Giannis and the Bucks.
The marquee LeBron versus Giannis matchup continues to be a major draw for NBA fans, even at this stage of their illustrious careers. The final decision on James's participation will likely come after pre-game warmups at Crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM PT, which is 10:30 AM IST on Saturday, January 10. A win is crucial for the Lakers to avoid back-to-back losses before they face the Sacramento Kings in their next fixture.
