Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James vs the Utah Jazz (Image via Getty) LeBron James will play tonight when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Detroit Pistons on December 30, 2025. The Lakers listed no injury designation for James, confirming his availability on his 41st birthday at Crypto.com Arena.This will be James’ ninth straight game after missing the first 14 contests of the season with sciatica. That issue is no longer a concern. He remains active and available as the Lakers prepare for a late-night matchup against the Eastern Conference leaders, with Luka Dončić alongside him in the lineup.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Game details and setting (December 30, 2025)
The Los Angeles Lakers enter the night with a 20-10 record, fourth in the Western Conference. Detroit comes in at 24-8, first in the East. Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.Los Angeles is coming off a 125-101 win over Sacramento, where LeBron James scored 24 points on 11-of-13 shooting. Detroit is listed as a slight road favorite at -2.5. The Pistons are led by Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 26.5 points per game this season.
LeBron James’ current status vs Detroit Pistons (December 30, 2025)
LeBron James is averaging 20 points, 4.9 rebounds, and six assists in 32.9 minutes per game across 14 appearances. There are no reported foot issues or lingering effects from his earlier sciatica. Tonight marks his 57th NBA game played since turning 40.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report vs Detroit Pistons (December 30, 2025)
The Los Angeles Lakers remain short on depth. Austin Reaves is out with a left calf strain and is expected to miss more than four weeks. Rui Hachimura is sidelined with right calf soreness. Gabe Vincent will miss his sixth straight game due to a lumbar back strain. Jaxson Hayes has been cleared after dealing with ankle soreness.
Pistons availability vs Lakers
Detroit’s injury list is limited. Caris LeVert is doubtful with left knee soreness. Issac Jones, Bobi Klintman, and Wendell Moore Jr. remain with the G League.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons regular season game: Full injury report, who’s out, where to watch, and more (December 30, 2025)
What to watch tonight’s Lakers vs Pistons game (December 30, 2025)
With the Los Angeles Lakers missing rotation players, James and Dončić are expected to carry a heavy workload. Nick Smith Jr. could again see extended minutes after scoring 21 points off the bench in the previous game. Detroit’s younger roster will test a Lakers team leaning on experience in a matchup with clear playoff implications.