Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Milwaukee Bucks? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (January 9, 2026)

LeBron James is likely to play Friday night when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Milwaukee Bucks on January 9, 2026. The Lakers listed him as probable on the latest injury report after he missed one game while dealing with left foot joint arthritis and right-sided sciatica.His possible return comes at an important time. The Lakers are coming off their first loss of the year and are short on bodies. With Milwaukee in town and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the Bucks, LeBron’s availability could have a real impact on how this game plays out.LeBron James sat out Wednesday’s 107-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. That game dropped the Lakers to 23-12 and third in the Western Conference. The decision to rest him was precautionary, not the result of a new injury.Earlier in the day, LeBron was listed as questionable. Later injury reports at 3:45 PM and 4:30 PM ET upgraded him to probable. That change suggests the team is comfortable with how he responded after taking one night off.Even if LeBron James plays, the Los Angeles Lakers will still be missing key rotation players. Rui Hachimura remains out with a right calf strain and will miss his fifth straight game after briefly being listed as questionable earlier in the week.Austin Reaves is also out with a left calf strain. Adou Thiero will miss the game as well due to a right MCL sprain. With those absences, the Lakers’ depth will be tested against a physical Bucks team.The game will be played at Crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM PT, which is 10:30 AM IST on Saturday. The Lakers are trying to avoid back-to-back losses as a tough January stretch continues, with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings coming up next.Before sitting out, LeBron averaged 25.6 points and 6.3 assists over his previous 12 games. His presence helps stabilize the offense, especially with several teammates unavailable. If he plays his usual minutes, the Lakers will rely on him to control the pace and create shots.Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Milwaukee Bucks? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (January 9, 2026)LeBron versus Giannis still draws attention, even this late in their careers. With LeBron listed as probable, warmups will be the final check. If he’s on the floor, the Lakers’ chances improve in what could be a tight game at home.