Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James vs the Toronto Raptors (Image via Getty). LeBron James will play Wednesday night when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is not listed on the Lakers’ injury report for the January 28, 2026 game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which confirms he is cleared and expected to start.This matchup stands out for obvious reasons. It’s another return to Cleveland for LeBron in a Lakers uniform, and injuries on both sides have made his availability even more important. For the Lakers, having him fully available shapes the entire approach to this game.
LeBron James injury status vs Cleveland Cavaliers (January 28, 2026)
The Los Angeles Lakers’ injury report includes Austin Reaves, who is out with a left calf strain, and Adou Thiero, sidelined with a right MCL sprain. LeBron James is not listed in any capacity, which is the clearest indication he is healthy and ready to play.Cleveland is dealing with more significant absences. Darius Garland will miss the game with a right great toe sprain. Evan Mobley remains out with a left calf strain, and Max Strus is unavailable following left foot surgery. De’Andre Hunter and Sam Merrill are listed as probable, meaning the Cavaliers are still adjusting their rotation heading into tipoff.
LeBron James’ season so far
Through 28 games this season, LeBron is averaging roughly 22 to 24 points, about six rebounds, and around six assists per game while playing 33 to 34 minutes per night. Those numbers come after early-season sciatica issues and continued workload management alongside Luka Dončić.Despite his age, LeBron remains a focal point of the offense. His production has been steady, and he continues to influence games without needing to dominate the ball every possession.
The Cleveland context
This will be LeBron James’ seventh game in Cleveland as a Laker and the first regular-season meeting between these teams this year. Cleveland has won seven of its last ten games and remains in the upper half of the Eastern Conference, but injuries have shifted expectations for this matchup.For Cavaliers fans, it’s another chance to see their former franchise player at home. For Lakers fans, the focus is on how much LeBron can give against a short-handed opponent.
What to expect Wednesday night in the Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers game
With no injury designation, LeBron James is expected to start and play between 30 and 35 minutes, depending on how close the game stays. Betting projections have his points, rebounds, and assists total around the high-30s, based on both matchup and usage.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 28, 2026)The Lakers enter the game on a two-game winning streak, and with Cleveland missing key players, LeBron’s presence gives Los Angeles a clear edge heading into the night.