If the Lakers play games in consecutive nights, it seems there’s a good chance LeBron James won’t suit up for one of the matchups.
The Los Angeles superstar told media members following his team’s 111-103 victory over the Pelicans on Tuesday in New Orleans that he’s unsure if he’ll play in a back-to-back again.
“I’m 41 years old,” James said emphatically to a gaggle of reporters in front of his locker at the Smoothie King Center.
“Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I am 41. I’ve got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank it right now. What are we talking about?”
The conversation was sparked after a media member asked James about his potential availability for Wednesday night’s tilt with the Spurs in San Antonio.
James, who missed the Lakers’ first 14 games of the year while dealing with sciatica, has not played in a single back-to-back this season.
And while he’s still logging minutes at an All-Star level, he made it clear that the trend of one-on, one-off will almost certainly continue throughout 2026.
“Look at my birth certificate,” James said. “Dec. 30, 1984. 4:39 p.m. That’s when I was born.”
James has suited up 18 times for L.A. this season, and he’s averaged 33.3 minutes, 21.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.
If he ultimately sits out the road matchup with San Antonio, his next opportunity to hit the floor for the Lakers will be a home game against the Bucks on Friday.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
