Is LeBron James playing tonight against Cavaliers? Latest on Lakers forward's availability (Dec. 31)

LeBron James will play in the LA Lakers' regular season game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. He was listed as "questionable" dur to an illness on Monday but was upgraded to "available" before tip off. The four-time NBA champion missed the Lakers' 132-122 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday for the same reason.

LeBron, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Monday, participated in the team’s practice session ahead of the game. The four-time league MVP appeared in high spirits as the Lakers prepared to take on the league's top team.

In encouraging news for Lakers fans, LeBron, now in his 22nd NBA season, reaffirmed his commitment to finishing his glittering career with the Purple and Gold.

"I think that’s the plan. I think I would love for it to end here," James said while speaking on ending the career with the Lakers. "I came here (LA) to play the last stage of my career and to finish it off here."

The 20-time All-Star has missed three of the Lakers' 31 games this season. Earlier this month, he sat out two games due to a left foot injury, with his most recent absence caused by illness.

At 40 years old, LeBron James continues to perform at an impressive level, albeit not quite at the peak he maintained just a few seasons ago.

LeBron also shared that if he truly wanted to, he believes he could continue playing for another seven seasons.

“It won't be because I can't play this game at a high level, it won't be because of that,” James said. "To be honest, if I really wanted to, I (would) probably play this game at a high level about ... another five to seven years if I wanted to. But I'm not gonna do that."

Where to watch Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers?

The LA Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The game will tip off at 9 p.m. EST (6 p.m. PT).

The Lakers vs. Cavaliers game will be broadcast live on Spectrum SportsNet (local) and FDSOH (local) while the live streaming will be available on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).