LeBron Available vs Grizzlies — Lakers' injury shocker makes clear risk
The Los Angeles Lakers head into Friday’s matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies desperate for a win after dropping four of their last five games and ending 2025 with a loss to the Detroit Pistons. Despite the skid, LeBron James is available for the contest — he played 32 minutes in that Pistons game, scoring 17 points with four rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal, and in the process became the 12th player in NBA history to appear in a game at age 41 or older. Over his recent nine-game stretch he’s averaging 24.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists, numbers that the Lakers will need as they try to steady their season while packed January and February schedules loom.
Memphis arrives at 15-18 and has also struggled lately, losing two straight and four of six. Injuries have been a key factor for the Grizzlies: Jalen Wells and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are listed as questionable with hamstring concerns, Vince Williams Jr. is out with a knee injury, and Brandon Clarke is sidelined by a calf strain. Guards John Konchar, Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. remain out, and center Zach Edey is still on the shelf with an ankle issue. Those absences have pushed Memphis into a heavily shorthanded rotation and help explain their inconsistent form.
The Lakers aren’t immune to roster problems either. Austin Reaves is out after suffering a gastrocnemius strain, Gabe Vincent remains sidelined with a back issue, and Rui Hachimura is unavailable for Friday’s game. Adou Thiero is out with an MCL sprain, and Jarred Vanderbilt is listed as questionable with right leg soreness. With several starters and rotation pieces missing, Los Angeles will be counting on LeBron and available depth to cover gaps and keep them competitive in the crowded Western Conference.
Given the injury lists for both teams, the matchup looks tilted toward the Lakers, who can exploit Memphis’ depleted lineup, and playing at home further favors Los Angeles. Still, the Lakers’ recent form tempers confidence: they must convert opportunities into wins to hold their position in the West. For the Grizzlies, this game represents a chance to capitalize on a vulnerable opponent and halt their own slide, but only if more players can return or the available roster can sustain a high level of play. Either way, injuries figure to be a defining storyline when these two Western contenders meet.
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