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DENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers leaves the court after their loss to the Denver Nuggets during game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Denver Nuggets (at home) in California.
The Lakers most recently beat the Chicago Bulls (also at home) by a score of 142-130.
LeBron James returned to the lineup, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block while shooting 7/13 from the field and 0/2 from three-point range in 33 minutes of playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers Announce LeBron James Status
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 28: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Before returning against the Bulls, James had missed three games in a row.
For Saturday’s game with the Nuggets, the four-time NBA Champion will remain available (as he is not on the injury report).
Lakers Lead wrote: “Marcus Smart and LeBron are both AVAILABLE tomorrow vs. Denver 👀”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
James is still one of the best 25 players in the league at 41.
He is averaging 21.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 50.5% from the field and 31.0% from three-point range in 45 games.
James And The Lakers
GettyPALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during warm ups prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena on October 06, 2024 in Palm Springs, California. Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Lakers are in the middle of another strong regular season.
They are the third seed in the Western Conference with a 41-25 record in 66 games.
Over their last ten games, the Lakers have gone 7-3 (and they have won four in a row).
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks past head coach JJ Redick during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Following the Nuggets, the Lakers will play their next game on Monday when they visit Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.
They are coming off a season where they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
GettyLos Angeles, CA – March 03: Lakers forward LeBron James, #23 reacts after being fouled on a layup by Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan, #6 during the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Denver Right Now
GettyDENVER, CO – OCTOBER 22: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets looks up during a timeout in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena on October 22, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
The Nuggets are the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 41-26 record in 67 games.
They are in the middle of a two-game winning streak (and 5-5 over their last ten).
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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