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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (Image via Getty)
LeBron James will not play when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Indiana Pacers on March 25, 2026. He is dealing with foot arthritis and is listed as questionable, but he is not expected to take the court.This continues a pattern for the Lakers, who have been careful with his workload. At this stage of the season, the focus is on keeping him available for the games that matter most. That means sitting him out when there is any risk.
Lakers vs Pacers: Game overview and stakes
The Lakers come into this game with a 46-26 record, leading the Pacific Division. The Pacers are 16-56 and sit fifth in the Central Division. On paper, this is a one-sided matchup, which is reflected in the 10.5-point spread in favor of Los Angeles.
The game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tip-off set for 7:00 PM EDT. The Lakers are trying to hold their position in the Western Conference standings, so they cannot afford to drop games like this.
LeBron James injury situation vs Indiana Pacers (March 25, 2026)
LeBron James has been managing left foot arthritis throughout the season. The issue has come up more than once, and the team has taken a cautious approach each time.He is averaging 15.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in limited minutes.
With him out, the responsibility shifts to Luka Dončić, who now handles most of the scoring and playmaking duties.
Lakers roster status and projected availability
The Lakers have a mix of available players and a few who are dealing with injuries. That could affect how they rotate during the game.
| Player | Position | Status | Notes |
| LeBron James | F | Questionable (Foot) | Foot arthritis |
| Luka Dončić | G | Available | Leads scoring |
| Austin Reaves | G | Questionable (Forearm) | Recent bruise |
| Rui Hachimura | F | Game-time decision (Calf) | Day-to-day |
| Marcus Smart | G | Game-time decision (Ankle) | Recent tweak |
| Deandre Ayton | C | Available | Key rebounder |
| Jaxson Hayes | C | Available | Backup big |
If everyone who is listed as available plays, the expected starters are Dončić, Reaves, James, Hachimura, and Hayes.
What LeBron James’ absence means for the Los Angeles Lakers
Without LeBron James, the Lakers rely on Dončić and Reaves to run the offense. Dončić has been scoring more than 27 points in recent games and will be the main option again.Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Indiana Pacers? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (March 25, 2026)Even with injuries, the Lakers are still in a stronger position than the Pacers. However, missing James means they need to stay sharp, especially if other players listed as questionable are unable to play.
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