LA Lakers Injury Report: Latest update on LeBron James and Marcus Smart

LA Lakers return to action on Sunday with their injury report once again taking center stage. As they prepare to meet the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena, all eyes are on the status of LeBron James and Marcus Smart—two key contributors whose availability could shape the outcome of the matchup. Entering the contest at 16-6, the Lakers aim to recover quickly after a tough back-to-back stretch that exposed their vulnerabilities without their veteran leaders on the floor.

LeBron James’ status remains uncertain

LeBron James has been listed as questionable with right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis. His absence was felt heavily during Friday’s 126-105 loss to the Boston Celtics, a game in which Los Angeles struggled to find rhythm on both ends. Without James’ command and playmaking, the Lakers surrendered 24 three-pointers—a deficit nearly impossible to claw back from against an elite shooting team.

Despite Austin Reaves stepping up with a game-high 36 points, LA Lakers lacked the composure and stability James typically brings, especially during high-pressure stretches. With the team preparing for another high-stakes contest against Philadelphia, LeBron James’ availability could become the deciding factor between regaining momentum or slipping further in a tightly contested Western Conference race.

Marcus Smart ruled out again

Marcus Smart, who continues to deal with a left lumbar muscle strain, has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup. The veteran guard’s absence limits the Lakers’ defensive versatility, particularly against a Sixers squad that recently notched wins over both Milwaukee and Golden State.

Smart’s on-ball pressure and leadership have been pivotal for Los Angeles throughout the early season. His continued time on the sidelines places even more responsibility on Reaves and Rui Hachimura—both of whom have delivered strong performances recently, including Reaves’ 44-point, 10-assist showing in Toronto and Hachimura’s game-winning three in that same matchup.

Lakers aim to rebound amid injury concerns

With their second and final regular-season meeting against Philadelphia on the horizon, LA Lakers face a crucial test. The Sixers enter at 13-9 after securing back-to-back victories and gaining momentum behind strong outings from Paul George and Quentin Grimes. Los Angeles must navigate its injury setbacks with discipline to avoid dropping another high-profile contest.