Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Charlotte Hornets? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James vs the Milwaukee Bucks (Image via Getty) LeBron James is set to play when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Charlotte Hornets on January 15, 2026. His name does not appear on the injury report, and he has already played on consecutive nights, indicating he is good to go at Crypto.com Arena.At 41, LeBron James is still logging major minutes and delivering consistent results. He continues to anchor a Lakers team that has started the season 24-10. With Luka Doncic now running the offense, James has adjusted his role slightly, but his influence on both ends of the floor remains clear.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets Game Setup at Crypto.com Arena (January 15, 2026)
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Charlotte Hornets with tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Charlotte comes in at 14-26 and has struggled to find rhythm on both ends of the floor. Los Angeles enters after a strong win over Atlanta earlier in the week.In that game, James finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists, falling just short of a triple-double. The Hornets are expected to rely on LaMelo Ball for offense, along with rookie Kon Knueppel, but the matchup is difficult against a Lakers team playing well at home.
LeBron James’ Current Form
LeBron James is averaging 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists this season. He came through a stretch of five games in seven nights without sitting out and has kept his output steady. In his most recent game against Sacramento, he finished with 22 points.With no injury issues, James is expected to play his regular minutes. He continues to score inside, create off the dribble, and find open teammates, while Luka Doncic handles most of the playmaking duties.
Lakers vs Hornets Injury Report and Expected Lineups (January 15, 2026)
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be close to full strength. Their projected starting lineup features Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton. Charlotte, on the other hand, is dealing with multiple availability concerns that could thin its rotation.TeamKey Players Out/QuestionableImpact Lakers None reported Full lineup available Hornets Mason Plumlee (out), Collin Sexton (questionable), Diabate (questionable) Limited depthAlso read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets injury report: Injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 15, 2026)
Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets How to Watch and Odds (January 15, 2026)
The game will air on SportsNet LA and FDSSE, with streaming available through Fubo and Prime Video. The Lakers are favored by 4.5 points, and the over/under is set at 233.5. With LeBron James expected to be available, Los Angeles heads into the matchup with the edge.
