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Lakers’ LeBron James during a game against the Phoenix Suns in February 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers could be getting their 41-year-old superstar back just in time for a crucial Western Conference showdown.
LeBron James is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game with major playoff-seeding implications. The Timberwolves currently hold the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference, sitting just one game ahead of the Lakers.
According to Khobi Price of the California Post, James participated in the Lakers’ team film session on Monday — an encouraging development that could signal a potential return after missing the team’s last two games.
LeBron James Injury Update: Lakers Star Listed as Questionable
James has been sidelined due to a combination of injuries, including a left elbow contusion and lingering arthritis in his left foot.
The elbow issue occurred during the Lakers’ road loss to the Denver Nuggets last Thursday. The injury forced him to sit out Friday’s home victory against the Indiana Pacers and Sunday’s win over the New York Knicks.
Price reported that the 41-year-old superstar remained engaged with the team despite his absence.
“The 41-year-old James was present for the Lakers’ film session on Monday, with the focus being defense despite the team’s improvements on that end of the floor over the last several weeks,” Price wrote.
The appearance at the meeting offered the clearest sign yet that James could be nearing a return.
ESPN Reports LeBron’s Foot Issue Remains Key Concern
According to ESPN’s Malika Andrews, James’ ongoing left foot arthritis — not the elbow injury — has been the primary reason he has remained sidelined.
The four-time NBA champion reportedly went through an on-court workout Sunday morning, but the foot did not respond well to post-workout treatment, leading the Lakers to hold him out of the Knicks game as a precaution.
Sunday marked the first time this season that James missed consecutive games since returning from sciatica earlier in the year.
He had sat out the Lakers’ first 14 games of the season before making his debut in mid-November.
JJ Redick Says LeBron James Remains Day-to-Day
Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered a brief status update Monday, confirming that James did not participate in practice.
“He’s day-to-day,” Redick said, according to Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell.
The Lakers are expected to evaluate James’ condition again before Tuesday’s game against Minnesota.
Lakers Record With LeBron, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves
When the Lakers’ star trio of James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have all been available this season, Los Angeles has posted an 11–6 record, according to NBA Central.
However, some two-man combinations have produced mixed results.
James and Reaves together have led the Lakers to a 3–3 record, while the pairing of Dončić and Reaves has been especially effective, producing a 9–2 mark.
Those numbers have fueled ongoing discussion about lineup combinations and rotations as the Lakers push toward the postseason.
Lakers Facing Critical Western Conference Test
James’ availability could prove pivotal against Minnesota.
The Lakers are battling through a crowded Western Conference race, and Tuesday’s game against the Timberwolves could directly affect playoff seeding.
With just weeks remaining in the regular season, Los Angeles hopes the NBA’s all-time leading scorer will be ready to return to the court.
For now, the Lakers are taking a cautious approach, but James’ presence at Monday’s film session has already given fans reason to believe the four-time champion could soon be back leading the team in one of its most important games of the season.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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