Is LeBron James playing tonight against Minnesota Timberwolves? Lakers star appears on injury report for Game 1 (Apr. 19)

By Arhaan Raje

Modified Apr 19, 2025 23:57 GMT

NBA: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn — Is LeBron James playing tonight against Minnesota Timberwolves? (Image Source: Imagn)

LeBron James is available to play for the Lakers after being on the injury report ahead of their 2025 NBA playoffs first-round Game 1 contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. James was earlier listed as probable, citing a left hip flexor strain. He endured the injury in his final regular-season game against the Houston Rockets. James is also dealing with a groin injury he sustained on March 8 against the Boston Celtics.

However, the 40-year-old will suit up in Game 1, as he's cleared by the medical team right ahead of the game. He's also had an eight-day rest since his last game on April 11, when the Lakers clinched the third seed with a win against the Rockets.

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LeBron James Stats vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

LeBron James has averaged 25.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks in 45 games against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He's shot 51.9%, including 38.9% from 3. James played three games against Minnesota this year, tallying 19.7 ppg, 10.0 rpg and 4.7 apg. LA went 2-1 in those games. It will be his first time playing the Timberwolves in a playoff series.

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James will have a significant role in this matchup. At 6-foot-9, he's one of LA's biggest players, who may have to play at center for large portions of the game. While it will benefit him and the Lakers on offense, the main task will be defensively, where James may have to guard Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid.

Where to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Lakers Game 1?

ABC will nationally televise the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Lakers game at the Crypto.com Arena. Viewers outside the U.S. can catch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Lakers are -4-point favorites with a -185 money line to win Game 1.

LeBron James is favored to score under 24.5 points and over 6.5 assists in the series opener.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje