Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Dallas Mavericks? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s i
Los Angeles Clippers Harden defending Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (Image via Getty) The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks collide tonight in a high-stakes NBA Cup matchup on November 28, 2025, and the stage couldn’t be set more dramatically. With playoff-like pressure, returning stars, and a long list of injury twists from both sides, this duel at Crypto.com Arena promises intensity from the opening tip. The Lakers are chasing their sixth straight win, while the Mavericks are desperate to break out of a slump that has left them sitting at 5-14. Add in a former franchise cornerstone returning to Los Angeles and a legendary 40-year-old suiting up once again, and this matchup becomes must-see basketball.What elevates the intrigue even more is the sudden shift in injury fortunes for both teams. While Dallas arrives severely depleted, the Lakers not only have LeBron James fully cleared but also welcome back reinforcements. And with neither team playing on the controversial NBA Cup court after multiple slipping incidents, tonight will unfold on the Lakers’ regular hardwood – eliminating any concerns about traction or safety.
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LeBron James Injury Report vs Dallas Mavericks (November 28, 2025)
LeBron James is expected to play after being removed from the Lakers’ injury report. The veteran star appears refreshed, especially after dropping 25 points earlier this week against the Clippers, pushing his season averages to 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.7 assists through three games. His availability keeps Los Angeles’ core intact as they eye a sixth consecutive victory.James suits up alongside Luka Dončić – who continues his MVP-level tear at 35.2 points per game – Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton. Ayton, coming off a knee contusion, has been upgraded to available and brings his efficient 15.5 points on a dominant 69.6% shooting back to the frontcourt. Marcus Smart, however, remains doubtful due to back spasms, marking the lone major concern for Los Angeles.
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The Mavericks face a far tougher battle on the health front. Anthony Davis is listed as questionable but is planning to make his return after missing 14 games with a calf strain. This marks his first meeting with the Lakers since the February blockbuster trade, and Dallas is banking on his comeback to energize a heavily depleted lineup.Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Dallas Mavericks? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s injury report (November 28, 2025)Dereck Lively II (foot), Kyrie Irving (knee), and Dante Exum (post-surgery recovery) are all out, thinning Dallas’ rotation significantly. With a minutes-restricted Davis expected to join Daniel Gafford in the frontcourt, the Mavs will rely heavily on role players while trying to generate offense and maintain defensive stability against a loaded Lakers team.
