:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65956973/usa_today_13817739.0.jpg)
UPDATE: Well, we just got confirmation on LeBron and AD. Both are available to play, per coach Frank Vogel.
Everyone is available to play tonight for the Lakers and the starters will be LeBron, AD, JaVale McGee, Avery Bradley and Danny Green.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) December 25, 2019
UPDATE: We still haven’t gotten official word on whether LeBron and AD will play, but as of now there’s not reason to think they won’t play. Both weren’t listed on the 5:30 injury update. Keep an eye out, but I think we’re good on AD and LeBron playing.
UPDATE: James and Davis are both expected to play on Christmas Day against the Clippers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday.
Reporting with @McTen: Stars are aligned for Lakers-Clippers on Christmas Day. Lakers conducted impromptu practice this morning and LeBron James (groin) and Anthony Davis (knee) are expected to play vs. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard at 8 PM ET on ABC.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 24, 2019
So with that news, we don’t have to worry much about tomorrow’s Christmas slate and whether or not to play both James and Davis. If they’re going to give it a go, both will start and shouldn’t be held back much. I think both are viable tournament options and are good to go in Showdown on DraftKings.
UPDATE, Dec. 23: Both James (rib) and Davis (knee) are listed as questionable to play on Christmas Day vs. the Los Angeles Clippers.
Frank Vogel said LeBron James listed as questionable for Lakers game vs Clippers. AD also listed as questionable with sore right knee
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) December 23, 2019
This is bad news for the NBA and the Lakers. This is a huge game against the rival Clippers and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the biggest regular-season slate of the year on Christmas.
If both AD and LeBron sit, the Lakers are in a very tough spot. Rondo would likely start again and I imagine Kyle Kuzma will get into the lineup in place of AD. There would be a lot of value open on the Lakers, so we’ll have to keep an eye on this situation the next few days.
UPDATE: Rondo will start in place of James for Sunday’s game vs. the Nuggets.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (back) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. the Denver Nuggets. Anthony Davis will play.
LeBron James is out tonight against Denver. Kyle Kuzma and Anthony Davis are both in.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 23, 2019
This will be James’ first missed game of the season. Davis and Kyle Kuzma will be available to play, so there’s a chance that Kuzma will start in place of LeBron. For now, we don’t know who will start, but it also could be Rajon Rondo or even Jared Dudley. As for who will benefit, obviously AD is in a pretty good spot with no LeBron. He should get more touches and have a higher usage rate. Kuzma and Rondo are also benefactors with King James sidelined.