Lakers star LeBron James (elbow, foot) ruled out vs. Knicks

Field Level Media|published: 03/08/2026, 2:52pm EDT

Mar 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji (22) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been downgraded to out for Sunday afternoon's game against the visiting New York Knicks.

James, who was considered a game-time decision, is nursing a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis.

The four-time NBA MVP and 22-time All-Star was injured during the fourth quarter of Thursday's 120-113 road loss against the Denver Nuggets when he fell hard to the court after driving toward the hoop. He briefly returned to the game before departing again in the final minute.

James, 41, is averaging 21.4 points, 7.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 44 games (all starts) this season.

--Field Level Media