When the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers face off Saturday night, it won’t just be a rubber match - it’ll be the first time this season LeBron James suits up against Portland. The two teams split their first two meetings, but both came with the Lakers’ superstar sidelined by early-season sciatica. This time, LeBron is back, and the stakes are a little higher for a Lakers squad navigating a stretch of the season where every win counts.
James isn’t listed on the injury report, clearing the way for his fifth straight appearance - a promising sign not just for Saturday, but for his overall health and rhythm as the season grinds on. He’s been steady all year, averaging 22.7 points, 6.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game - a stat line that speaks to his continued all-around impact, even in Year 21.
The timing of his return to this particular matchup couldn’t be better for L.A. The Lakers will be without star guard Luka Doncic, who’s been ruled out due to groin soreness. That absence leaves a major offensive void, and with Austin Reaves still sidelined by a calf strain - he hasn’t played since Christmas - the Lakers will need LeBron to shoulder even more of the load.
That’s nothing new for James, who’s made a career out of stepping up when his team needs him most. But this isn’t just about scoring.
With both Doncic and Reaves out, LeBron’s playmaking and leadership will be just as critical. Expect him to orchestrate the offense, push the tempo when needed, and set the tone defensively - all while keeping younger teammates involved and engaged.
Saturday’s game marks the final regular-season meeting between these two teams, and while it’s just one game on the calendar, it carries weight. For the Lakers, it’s a chance to build momentum and stay afloat in a tightly packed Western Conference. For LeBron, it’s another opportunity to remind us that even after two decades, he’s still more than capable of being the engine that drives a team forward.
With James back in the mix and the Lakers in need of a spark, all eyes will be on how he responds. If history is any indication, expect something special.