Is LeBron James playing tonight against Phoenix Suns? Exploring LA Lakers superstar's status for preseason game (Oct. 17)

LeBron James will not play in the LA Lakers' penultimate preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. The four-time NBA champion has traveled with the team to Phoenix, Arizona, for the game against Kevin Durant and the Suns. LeBron has already played in the Lakers' last three preseason games after sitting out the opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This could have been LeBron’s second preseason meeting with the Suns, having led the Lakers in their previous game on Oct. 6. Despite the Lakers' 118-114 loss at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, the 20-time All-Star delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

The four-time NBA Finals MVP is averaging 12.0 points in 18.5 minutes across three games this preseason. He has contributed 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 46.9% from the field, including an impressive 57.1% from 3-point range.

LeBron James brimming with "excitement" and "joy"

LeBron James has amassed countless accolades throughout his illustrious two-decade career. As the NBA’s all-time scoring leader gears up for his 22nd season in the world’s premier basketball league, his passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

LeBron credited this feeling of excitement to the fact that he is now playing alongside his son Bronny James.

"There’s a lot of excitement,” LeBron said during the Lakers' media day. "It’s pure joy, to be honest, to be able to come to work every day, put in the hard work with your son every day and be able to see him continue to grow. We push each other. He pushes me, I push him. We push our teammates. Just a very joyous moment, not only for myself, but for our family."

LeBron and Bronny made history during the Lakers' last game against the Suns, becoming the first father-son duo to ever share the court in an NBA game.

How to watch LeBron James in action during Lakers vs. Suns preseason game?

The LA Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns preseason game will take place on Oct. 17, Thursday, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The game will tip-off at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT).

The Lakers vs. Suns will be broadcast live on TNT while the live streaming will be available on Arizona's Family 3TV (local), Arizona's Family Sports (local) and Spectrum SportsNet (local). Fans can also stream the game on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).