Lakers star LeBron James (elbow) sitting out vs. Pacers

Field Level Media|published: 03/06/2026, 8:17pm EST

Mar 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts on the court after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss Friday night's contest against the visiting Indiana Pacers due to a left elbow contusion.

James 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.

James briefly returned to the game before departing again in the final minute.

After the game, James said, "Pretty sore right now ... day-to-day, we'll see what happens."

James also continues to manage left foot arthritis.

James, 41, scored 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting in Thursday's loss to the Nuggets. He set an NBA record with 15,842 career field goals, five more than legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Lakers center Deandre Ayton (left knee) also will miss the game. He was injured in the first quarter on Thursday.

--Field Level Media