Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Dallas Mavericks? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (January 24, 2026)

LeBron James will play for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Dallas Mavericks on January 24, 2026. He is not listed on the injury report and is expected to handle his normal role.The game comes at a difficult stretch for both teams. The Los Angeles Lakers are short-handed and leaning on veterans to stay competitive.

Dallas is dealing with heavier losses and will rely almost entirely on Luka Doncic to keep pace.

With so many absences, the matchup is less about depth and more about which star can control the game.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Game-Day Stakes (January 24, 2026)

The game will be played at the American Airlines Center. Dallas enters after a loss to the Clippers and continues to adjust to a roster missing key players. Kyrie Irving is out for the season with an ACL injury, and Dereck Lively II is also done for the year.

That leaves Doncic to shoulder most of the offensive responsibility.

For the Lakers, LeBron James has been their most reliable option. In January, he is averaging 25.5 points and 7.5 assists. With limited backcourt options available, his playmaking and scoring remain central to everything the Lakers do on offense.

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report (January 24, 2026)

LeBron James’ Role Tonight (January 24, 2026)

LeBron James is averaging 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists this season. With Austin Reaves still sidelined and Adou Thiero unavailable, the Lakers are again asking James to carry a heavy load.

That includes creating offense late in possessions and covering gaps caused by missing rotation players. Against a thin Dallas frontcourt, he is expected to see favorable matchups.

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report (January 24, 2026)

Why It Matters Tonight

Dallas is limited by injuries across its rotation. Daniel Gafford is listed as probable, and Moussa Cisse is questionable due to illness, leaving few reliable options inside. That puts even more pressure on Doncic to score and facilitate.Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Dallas Mavericks? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (January 24, 2026)With LeBron James healthy and available, the Lakers enter with a clear advantage in experience and stability. If the game stays close, Los Angeles is likely to rely on James to control the pace and decide the outcome.