What an eventful season it’s been for the LA Lakers’ LeBron James so far! He started the season with the introduction of the first father-son duo in the NBA with Bronny James. He then bid farewell to his close friend, Anthony Davis, as he was traded to acquire the services of Luka Doncic. And most recently he broke a 20-year-old record set by his idol.
But we’re not here to discuss that right now. We’re actually about to bring down the mood for you Lakers fans out there with this one. You see, LeBron’s status to play in the upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers has now been downgraded to DOUBTFUL. The reason? Soreness in his left ankle. Although you may think it’s no cause for concern since he’s made the injury report for the past few games. Let us tell you why it is.
James was only listed as PROBABLE for all the games he played previously. Even though he played with a foot injury in those games, the Lakers did not deem it severe enough to list him as anything else. But in the last few injury reports ahead of the Pacers game, LeBron’s status has gone from QUESTIONABLE to DOUBTFUL. This should concern any fan of the Purple and Gold.
LeBron James has been downgraded to doubtful for the Lakers’ game Saturday vs. Indiana with left ankle soreness, the Lakers announced.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 8, 2025
What’s worse is Luka Doncic is not available to play either as he recovers from a calf strain suffered during his time at the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers expect him to play on Monday against the Utah Jazz. But the Lakers remain shorthanded for the Pacers game. The same goes for Mark Williams, who’s also QUESTIONABLE for the Pacers game.
LeBron James, better than anyone else, knows how much the Los Angeles Lakers depend on him. So this setback must be frustrating for him. After all, he just set an incredible record in the Warriors game, one that we don’t see anyone breaking anytime soon. But what did he do in that game that was so incredible, you may ask? Don’t worry, we’ve got the details for you right here.
LeBron James broke a 20-year-old Michael Jordan record against the Golden State Warriors
Most players are happily retired by the age of 40. However, LeBron James isn’t your average NBA player. After setting record after record in his 20s and 30s, the King is showing no signs of slowing down. And that was on full display against Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
LeBron James dropped a season-high 42 points against the Dubs at the ripe age of 40. In doing so, James became the oldest player to have a 40-point game in the NBA. The previous owner of the record? The legendary Michael Jordan who scored 43 points less than a week after his 40th birthday in February 2003 against the New Jersey Nets. LeBron was 40 years, 1 month, and 8 days old, making him the oldest player to achieve this incredible feat.
Feb 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
However, humble as always, LeBron didn’t get too excited over his accomplishment. Here’s what he said about it, “I’m old, that’s my take. I need a glass of wine and some sleep.” Only someone like James can downplay this kind of achievement. But did you know that LeBron is also the youngest player to score 40 points in an NBA game?
Yes, he achieved that milestone in his rookie year, scoring 41 points against the New Jersey Nets in 2004. Only a year after his idol set his own incredible record against them. It seems the greats of the sport are destined to cross paths in such ways.
As we await further updates on LeBron’s status, Lakers fans can take solace in the fact that if he does play, he will probably put in a phenomenal performance for them. Let’s just hope Luka Doncic can match him step by step once he’s healthy!
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