Is LeBron James playing tonight against the Indiana Pacers? | February 2, 2023 | 2022-23 NBA Season

The LA Lakers will continue their five-game road trip on Thursday night in Indiana. LeBron James' team will square off against the Pacers for the second and final time this season.

James has missed 11 games so far in the 2022-23 season due to a combination of injuries and load management. His ankle injury may prevent him from playing against the Pacers. However, considering that he was questionable for the Lakers' previous game, but still played, there is a chance that he will suit up against Indiana.

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LeBron James should be good to go against the Indiana Pacers

The LA Lakers forward has been dealing with an ankle injury, which is why he may be sidelined for the matchup against the Pacers. James, who is currently in his 20th season in the NBA, hasn't been the healthiest in the last few years.

LeBron missed the Jan. 30 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets due to issues with his ankle. However, the Lakers also wanted to rest him as this was the first game of a back-to-back.

James had a triple-double in his last game (Image via Getty Images)

After the Nets game, the four-time NBA champion was listed as questionable for the matchup against the New York Knicks. Despite his ankle problems, LeBron suited up and ended the game with a triple-double, which was impressive.

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Considering that James had one day of rest, he should be available against the Pacers on Thursday night. This will be the second meeting between the two teams, with the Pacers winning the first matchup 116-115. James scored 21 points in the first game.

The Lakers desperately need victories to get closer to a playoff spot. The Pacers have lost three straight games and if they lose on Thursday, they will fall out of the playoff picture.

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How far is LeBron James from breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record?

LeBron James is only 89 points away from surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA's all-time scoring list. If he keeps up his average of 30.2 points per game, he will surpass the Lakers legend in three games.

James has had some impressive performances against the Pacers throughout his career, averaging 27.3 points on 49.4% shooting against them.

James is only 89 points away from breaking the all-time scoring record (Image via Getty Images)

If James plays in the next three games, he could break the record against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

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After the Thunder, the Lakers will host the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo.