The 2024-25 NBA playoffs continue on Friday night, and the Los Angeles Lakers will be in action when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round series at 9 p.m. ET. The Target Center showdown is shaping up to be a thrill as one team will emerge with the commanding 2-1 series lead, leaving time to tell if the honor will go to the Lakers.
Los Angeles will need a full effort from its roster to take the 2-1 lead over the Timberwolves, which means needing LeBron James to be as healthy as possible. After all, the four-time NBA MVP dealt with hip and groin injuries that forced him to miss time during the regular season's final stretch, causing fans to wonder if the ailments are still plaguing him.
Lakers News: LeBron James Shares Frustrating Injury Update Before Game 3
About eight hours before Friday's tip-off, James was asked if he's still combatting the hip and groind injuries that previously ailed him. Instead of giving a concrete response, "The King" caused some frustration by giving a not-so-direct response.
"I'm available today," James said, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, not exactly indicating if he's still banged up or not.
LeBron James on his groin/hip injuries he was dealing with entering the playoffs: “I’m available today.”
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 25, 2025
Although an official injury hasn't been reported, it wouldn't be surprising to learn that James isn't completely healed from his injuries.
The 21-time NBA All-Star hasn't been his usual self to begin the playoffs. After averaging 24.4 points while shooting 51.3% from the floor and 37.6% from deep during the regular season, James is only averaging 20.0 PPG with a 43.2 FG% and 20.0 3P% through the Lakers' first two postseason outings. Even his playmaking has taken a hit, dropping from 8.2 assists per game to 5.0 APG.
Any significant injury to their locker room leader is the last thing the Lakers need. Maxi Kleber is still rehabbing from a foot injury, while Rui Hachimura must wear a face mask going forward after taking a shot to the face in Game 2.
With that being said, James has a reputation for keeping things close to the vest, so fans might not learn of any potential injuries until the Lakers' playoff run is over. Hopefully, the 40-year-old superstar isn't dealing with anything severe so that he can continue being a mainstay in Redick's lineup throughout the spring.
Los Angeles will need James at full strength to take the 2-1 series lead Friday evening. FanDuel Sportsbook is listing the Lakers as the 3.5-point road underdogs to the Timberwolves only a few hours before Game 3 begins.
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Odds update periodically and are subject to change.