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Detroit Pistons vs Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty)
LeBron James will play for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 2, 2026. He is not listed on the official injury report, confirming his availability after missing the teams’ earlier meeting this season due to sciatica.The Lakers needed that confirmation. James remains the anchor of the roster, even at 41, and his presence matters more with several rotation players sidelined. With the Western Conference standings still tight, this game carries weight for both teams.
LeBron James injury status vs the Memphis Grizzlies (January 2, 2026)
LeBron James is fully cleared and expected to play his normal role. He scored 17 points in the loss to Detroit and showed no issues related to his earlier back concerns.In 15 games this season, James is averaging 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. He is shooting 49.6 percent from the field and playing just under 33 minutes per night. The Lakers have managed his workload, but his influence on both ends remains clear.
Lakers vs Grizzlies Full injury reports (January 2, 2026)
Lakers injury status vs Grizzlies
| Player | Status | Injury |
| Rui Hachimura | Out | Right calf soreness |
| Austin Reaves | Out | Left calf strain |
| Gabe Vincent | Out | Lumbar back strain |
| Adou Thiero | Out | Right MCL sprain |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | Questionable | Right leg soreness |
Grizzlies injury status vs Lakers
| Player | Status | Injury |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Questionable | Right hamstring soreness |
| Jaylen Wells | Questionable | Left hamstring soreness |
| Brandon Clarke | Out | Right calf strain |
| Zach Edey | Out | Left ankle stress reaction |
| Vince Williams Jr. | Out | Left patellar tendonitis |
| Ty Jerome | Out | Right calf strain |
| John Konchar | Out | Left thumb UCL surgery recovery |
Lakers vs Grizzlies Game setup and recent history
Los Angeles enters the night at 20-11 after a 128-106 home loss to the Detroit Pistons, a game played on LeBron James’ birthday. Memphis comes in at 15-18, looking to improve its road record and stay within reach of the playoff picture.
This is the second meeting between the teams this season. The Lakers won the first matchup 117-112 in an NBA Cup game on Halloween, a contest James did not play. Friday’s game tips off at 10:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena.
What to watch in the matchup
Memphis will rely on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but injuries have thinned the Grizzlies’ frontcourt. That could open space for James to attack inside and push the pace.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, where to watch, and more (January 2, 2026)With Luka Doncic also available, the Lakers have multiple creators on the floor. If LeBron James sets the tone early, Los Angeles will have a strong chance to control the game and avoid another slip at home.
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