Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Chicago Bulls? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (March 12, 2026)

LeBron James may or may not play when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 2026. He is listed as questionable because of a right hip contusion and ongoing arthritis in his left foot.

The 41-year-old has missed the team’s last three games. His availability will likely be decided shortly before tip-off at Crypto.com Arena.Despite his absence, the Lakers have managed to keep winning. The team is on a three-game streak and recently beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-106. If James is cleared to play, it would be his first appearance since March 5.

Los Angeles Lakers continue winning without LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the game with a 40-25 record. They have won three straight, including the recent win over Minnesota.

The team has relied heavily on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves during this stretch.

Both players have handled most of the offensive workload. Their production has helped the Lakers maintain a 117.6 offensive rating. The team also ranks second in the league in effective field-goal percentage.Those numbers have allowed the Lakers to stay competitive in the Western Conference standings even without James on the floor.

Injury details behind LeBron James’ absence

LeBron James suffered the hip contusion during a March 5 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The injury added to a left foot arthritis issue that has been bothering him since January.His last game was that matchup against Denver. In 33 minutes, he recorded 16 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. After that game, he missed matchups against the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.Head coach JJ Redick has described his status as day-to-day.

The team has not given a firm timeline for his return, but there is still a chance he could play against Chicago.

What the Lakers vs Bulls game could come down to (March 12, 2026)

If LeBron James plays, the Los Angeles Lakers will have another scoring option alongside Doncic and Reaves. That could help the team extend its winning streak to four games.Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Chicago Bulls? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (March 12, 2026)If he remains out, the Lakers will again rely on Doncic and Reaves to lead the offense. Chicago, meanwhile, will try to take advantage of any lineup gaps as it looks to build on its recent overtime win.