Is LeBron James playing tonight? Lakers vs Warriors preseason update

The Los Angeles Lakers are halfway through the 2023-24 preseason and LeBron James has suited up for the team once. After missing the first preseason game of the year against the Golden State Warriors, LeBron made his 2023-24 debut (with a much better-looking foot) against the Brooklyn Nets.

LeBron then headed back to the bench on Wednesday as the Lakers hosted the Sacramento Kings at the Honda Center. There is no need for LeBron to push it in the preseason, hence why he did not play in the first or third game.

Considering LeBron is currently on an off-then-on schedule, Lakers fans who are watching the team at home against the Warriors are curious to see if he is going to suit up for the team’s first game at the Crypto.com Arena.

Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Warriors?

At the time of writing this, the Lakers have not confirmed nor denied if James is going to play against the Warriors. While there is no official confirmation, it seems more likely than not that LeBron will play considering he did not play the last preseason game.

LeBron said before the preseason began that his goal was to play around half of the team’s preseason games before the regular season. If he wants to keep up that pace, he will have to play Friday against the Warriors. If he doesn’t, that would seemingly indicate that he will play the last two games of the preseason.

Updated Lakers injury report vs Warriors:

Several Lakers starters sat out for rest against the Kings on Wednesday. One of the starters who sat out for an actual injury was Jarred Vanderbilt, who is dealing with a heel injury. This will be the third straight game that Vanderbilt misses.

Cam Reddish also missed Wednesday’s game with an ankle injury. His official designation is day-to-day and it is unclear if he is going to suit up for the purple and gold on Friday.

Updated Warriors injury report vs Lakers:

Draymond Green is still considered day-to-day and is going to be re-evaluated Monday, so he is not going to be playing against the Lakers on Friday. Both Rodney McGruder (concussion) and Corey Joseph (back) have been listed as out for Friday’s game.

Jonathan Kuminga has been listed as questionable to play. Kuminga is dealing with a thumb injury. Superstar guard Stephen Curry will likely play as he played in the preseason opener against the Lakers and has not suited up since.