LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for their Thursday night battle against the Chicago Bulls, the team is keeping hopes about LeBron James' playing availability alive.

According to the official injury report, the Lakers are listing James as questionable. The superstar forward has been labeled as day-to-day, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick.

A hip and foot issue is what's kept LeBron out of the lineup lately. He hasn't stepped foot on the court since the March 5 game against the Denver Nuggets.

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In the matchup against the Nuggets, James checked in for 33 minutes. He played a full shift in the 120-113 loss. James shot 7-11 from the field, missing both of his three-point attempts. He scored 16 points, while coming down with five rebounds and dishing out eight assists.

How Many Games Has LeBron James missed?

Lakers star LeBron James plays in game against Denver Nuggets

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The March 6 absence wasn't all that surprising, considering LeBron stated earlier this season that he would be considered questionable in each back-to-back set. The following two absences were a cause for concern, though.

In the March 8 matchup against the New York Knicks and the recent bout with the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron watched from the side.

Despite missing their star forward, the Lakers have fared well in James' absence. Throughout the current three-game stretch, the Lakers are unbeaten.

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Team USA Stripes speaks at a press conference before the 75th NBA All-Star game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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The Chicago Bulls come to town for the Lakers on Thursday, March 12.

James could end up following the same trend as before and go into the matchup as a game-time decision.

This season, the 41-year-old has appeared in 44 games. He missed a chunk of action to begin the season, but when he debuted for the year, it was like he didn't miss a step.

Throughout the season, James is averaging 21.4 points on 50% shooting from the field. He is coming down with 5.6 rebounds per game and producing 7.0 assists per game.

The Lakers and the Bulls tip at 10:30 PM ET on Thursday.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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