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Is LeBron James playing tonight? Latest Lakers vs Suns update

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks during a news conference after a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at T-Mobile Arena on October 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lakers defeated the Nets 129-126. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks during a news conference after a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at T-Mobile Arena on October 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lakers defeated the Nets 129-126. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers have just one more preseason game to play before the games really start to count, beginning with the Denver Nuggets on October 24. Los Angeles takes on the Phoenix Suns in Palm Springs in the last preseason game of the year on Thursday night.

The preseason has been very exciting for Lakers fans who were deprived of watching their favorite team play for five months. While the team has a losing record, there have been nothing but positive signs coming from these preseason games as the Lakers gear up to be a true NBA Championship contender.

Leading the way is LeBron James, who has only played two of the team’s five preseason games thus far. Fans in Palm Springs are definitely wondering about James’ status and are going to be pleased with the result.

Is LeBron James playing tonight vs Suns?

All signs are pointing toward LeBron James playing on Thursday night. While James has been cautious with his playing time in the preseason, he is not nursing any injuries and is heading into the 2023-24 season fully healthy.

Darvin Ham said earlier this week that he is going to play the team’s regular rotation for three-quarters of this game. LeBron is obviously part of this “regular rotation”, which indicates that he will play.

Not only will LeBron play, but the fans in Palm Springs will get to see him on the court more than any other preseason game. Before Thursday, LeBron was limited to playing just one half in his prior two preseason outings.

Latest Lakers injury report vs Suns:

Jarred Vanderbilt has been dealing with a heel injury and will not be playing for the Lakers on Thursday as he is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Friday. Vanderbilt’s injury may have opened the door for Taurean Prince to be the fifth starter for Darvin Ham.

Both Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino are questionable for Thursday. Vincent has been dealing with a minor back injury and practiced on Wednesday.

Latest Suns injury report vs Lakers:

Sharpshooter Damion Lee had surgery on his knee and will be out indefinitely. Lee suffered the injury before the preseason began so he has not seen the court at all this season.

Ish Wainright and Eric Gordon are both day-to-day as they were both limited participants in the Suns’ practice on Tuesday. Their status for Thursday night is still up in the air. Both Yuta Watanabe and Jusuf Nurkic didn’t play on Monday but that was for rest, so they should be good to suit up on Thursday.

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