Lakers to Face Pacers Without LeBron James Due to Ankle Soreness

2025-03-01

The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, February 8, at Crypto.com Arena, but they will be without star forward LeBron James, who has been ruled out due to left ankle soreness. This marks James’ fourth missed game this season. Despite his absence, the Lakers are riding a four-game winning streak and have won 10 of their last 12 games, moving them to fifth place in the Western Conference standings. James, in his 22nd NBA season, is averaging 24.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game.

The Pacers, meanwhile, are coming off a strong 119-112 victory over the LA Clippers on Thursday and have won seven of their last 10 games. They currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference. Indiana will be without starting center Myles Turner, who is sidelined with a cervical strain. Pascal Siakam, who scored 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the win over the Clippers, is expected to lead the Pacers’ offense alongside Tyrese Haliburton.

The Lakers’ newly acquired star, Luka Dončić, will also miss the game due to a left calf strain. Dončić, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal, is targeting his Lakers debut on Monday. Additionally, center Mark Williams, acquired in a separate trade, remains out as the deal is still pending.

The matchup between the Lakers and Pacers features two teams with similar strengths, ranking ninth and tenth in offensive efficiency, respectively. Both teams have also shown defensive improvements, with the Lakers ranked 18th and the Pacers 19th in defensive rating. Without James, the Lakers will rely heavily on Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to step up offensively, while Indiana will look to exploit the absence of Turner by focusing on interior scoring and rebounding.

The game tips off at 4:00 PM ET and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

LeBron out vs. Pacers due to ankle soreness

LeBron James was ruled out of Saturday's game against the Pacers because of left ankle soreness, the Lakers announced.

www.espn.com

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With possibly no LeBron James, the Lakers’ role players will have to step up and play extraordinarily well against the visiting Pacers on Saturday.

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Game Preview: Pacers at Lakers

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Pacers vs Lakers Game Highlights

The Lakers defeated the Pacers, 124-117. Lakers Top Performers Austin Reaves – 45 points (career-high), 7 assists, 7 rebounds Rui Hachimura – 24 point

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