The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
The game against Atlanta will be the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers, as they lost to the Sacramento Kings 124-112 on Monday night.
LeBron James hasn't been playing in back-to-backs this season
The fact that the game is the second night of a b2b brings into question LeBron James’ status for the contest. James played 33 minutes against Sacramento on Monday and tallied 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the loss. The star forward notably hasn’t played in both legs of a back-to-back stretch all season, and it remains to be seen if he will.
The Lakers want to keep James, 41, as fresh as possible for the long haul, and limiting his availability in b2bs is one way to do that. Earlier this month, James declared that he should be considered “TBD” for every back-to-back for the rest of the season.
"Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD,” James said. “I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank it right now."
Given this comment, it seems somewhat doubtful that James will be suiting up against the Hawks, though his final status for the contest will be announced prior to tipoff.
If James' agent, Rich Paul, gets his way, James won't play against Atlanta, or in a single back-to-back all season.
"Look, at 41 years of age, I hope he is not playing back-to-backs," Paul said of James back in November.
Now, we just have to wait for the official word from the Lakers on James' status for Tuesday night.
More Los Angeles Lakers news:
- Why LeBron James will be only player in NBA with special patch on his jersey
- Giannis Antetokounmpo shares incredibly high praise for LeBron James
- Luka Doncic reacts to Trae Young trade to Washington Wizards