Is LeBron James Playing Tonight? (Latest Injury Update for Rockets vs. Lakers on Jan. 16)

The Los Angeles Lakers are in action Monday night as they face the Houston Rockets at 10:30 p.m. ET. However, Los Angeles has several injured players out or in jeopardy of missing this contest, like star forward LeBron James.

James popped up on the injury report Monday afternoon, earning a questionable tag due to left ankle soreness.

Update - Jan. 16 9:30 p.m. ET:

Despite this being the second leg of a back-to-back, LeBron James will be available to play on Monday.

It's no surprise to see James appear with a minor ailment on the second night of a back-to-back. He's sat out three previous times this season after playing the day before, and Monday could be the fourth.

The struggling Lakers -- who have already ruled out Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV for this contest -- would certainly feel James' absence if he does sit. LA owns just a 4-6 record this season without James active.

Monday presents a get-right opportunity for the Lakers against the lowly Rockets, but James being out could shift this game in Houston's favor. LA is currently a 4-point favorite ahead of tip-off, according to FanDuel Sportsbook's NBA odds.

Best NBA Prop Bets for LeBron James vs. Rockets on Jan. 16

If James does suit up, there's a few ways to approach a potentially hobbled King.

One target could be James' 3-point total on Monday. If his ankle isn't exactly 100%, perhaps the rim-rocking former MVP will be less inclined to attack the basket at will. That could lead to the forward settling for more jump shots.

Houston is the perfect team to exploit beyond the arc. This young defense is happy to give up threes, allowing the most 3-point attempts (39.4) and makes (14.5) per game this season. Though James has made only three triples over his last five outings, I think he gets back on track here if he's active.

Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

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