TL;DR
- Lakers returning home to face Utah Jazz after road trip with injury concerns.
- LeBron James practiced with the team for the first time this season.
- Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart expected to play against the Jazz.
- LeBron James and Gabe Vincent are TBD for the Utah Jazz game.
The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their five-game road journey and are scheduled to face the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
During their road trip, the Lakers experienced several players being sidelined by injuries. Austin Reaves sat out one game versus the Hawks, while Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart were both absent for the matchup against the Bucks. LeBron James, however, missed every single game throughout the season.
During the road trip, Shams Charania shared some highly positive updates concerning the NBA's leading scorer of all time.
James was consistently working out with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, playing 5-on-5 and ramping up for his eventual season debut.
More: Lakers get most encouraging LeBron James news of the season
Today, Lakers head coach JJ Redick gave the media an injury update on LeBron James and others leading up to tomorrow’s game against the Jazz.
LeBron James update and more
JJ Redick stated that Monday marked the Lakers' inaugural complete practice of the year, with all 14 rostered players present. This fact renders the team's 10-4 standing even more remarkable, considering the absence of consistent lineups.
Regarding the most recent player absences, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, Redick mentioned his expectation that both will participate after sitting out the Milwaukee game.
JJ Redick stated that it marked the Lakers' inaugural complete practice of the season, with all fourteen players participating. He anticipates Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura, absent from the MIL game, will be active for the UTA matchup. He mentioned that both LeBron James and Gabe Vincent are currently listed as TBD for The Jazz game.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 17, 2025
LeBron James practiced with the team for the first time all season, and for his status, Redick said that both he and guard Gabe Vincent are officially listed with “TBD” status for tomorrow night’s game.
Despite Lauri Markkanen's exceptional recent performance, the Lakers should be capable of managing Utah without LeBron James. Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising if the Lakers opt for extreme caution and keep "The King" sidelined until Sunday's matchup against the same Utah team.
It's quite possible we'll witness the initial showing of this year's Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James lineup. Let's hope so.
More NBA News:
Lakers' breakout player may force team to trade 24-year-old, 2024 draft pick
Draymond Green of the Warriors backs former Mavs GM Nico Harrison regarding the Luka Doncic trade, following a contentious exit from Dallas.
Rockets blockbuster trade idea reunites Kevin Durant with $118 million NBA champion guard
76ers star to make long-awaited season debut tonight against former team