The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to head into the All-Star break on a high note, and they’ll have their biggest star back in the lineup to help make that happen.
LeBron James, who sat out the Lakers’ last outing - a rough 136-108 loss to the San Antonio Spurs - due to left foot arthritis, is set to return Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. James wasn’t listed on the official injury report, signaling that he’s good to go.
That’s a major boost for a Lakers team that has been searching for rhythm and consistency all season. In his 21st year, LeBron continues to defy time, averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game across 35 appearances. Even when he’s not putting up gaudy numbers, his presence alone changes the geometry of the floor - drawing defenders, orchestrating the offense, and setting the tone on both ends.
And the timing couldn’t be better. The Mavericks will be without Luka Dončić, who’s sidelined for a fourth straight game due to a hamstring strain.
That absence looms large. Dončić has been the engine of Dallas’ offense, and without him, the Mavs lose not just a scorer, but their primary playmaker and emotional leader.
Dallas will also be missing standout rookie Cooper Flagg, who’s dealing with a left midfoot sprain. That injury won’t just keep him out of Thursday’s game - it’ll also sideline him for the Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend. Flagg has been electric in his debut season and remains the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, so his absence is a tough blow for both the Mavericks and fans hoping to see him shine on a national stage.
The Lakers have already taken the first two meetings against Dallas this season, and they’ll be eyeing a season series win with another victory Thursday night. The two teams will meet once more in April, but for now, the focus is on closing out the pre-All-Star stretch with momentum.
With LeBron back and the Mavs short-handed, the opportunity is there. Now it’s up to the Lakers to seize it.