The 2025 NBA All-Star game is officially over, and it’s time for us to get back to the regular season. With the resumption of the league, an East vs West banger heads our way as the Lakers take on the Charlotte Hornets. But Lakers fans have some concerns following the All-Star break. Namely, will LeBron James play alongside Luka Doncic in the Lakers’ upcoming game after missing the All-Star game due to injury?

Well, we’re here to answer those queries and any more you may have. This serves to be a heated encounter, as it will be the first time these teams face off after the disastrous Mark Williams trade. So let’s not waste any time and see who the Lakers have available heading into the Hornets game.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets injury report – Will Luka Doncic and LeBron James play against the Hornets?

LeBron James was unable to play in his record-setting 21 All-Star game due to discomfort in his foot and ankle. And it seems he is still dealing with this issue as the regular season resumes. The Lakers are considering his availability from day to day. But don’t be worried, there’s still Luka Magic. 

Luka Doncic appears to be ready and raring to go and face the Hornets. And the Lakers will certainly need him if LeBron cannot play. However, we can’t say the same for his fellow former Maverick, Maxi Kleber, who’s also OUT as he recovers from the surgery on his right foot.

Jaxson Hayes, whose Utah Jazz game was cut short by a facial contusion, is OUT of the Hornets game. Although his status could change and he may end up playing with a protective face mask. Dorian Finney-Smith is also OUT against the Hornets as he deals with ankle issues. The likes of Cam Reddish and Gabe Vincent may also miss the Hornets game after not appearing in the Lakers’ last game against the Utah Jazz. 

The Charlotte Hornets, are also dealing with some injuries to their squad. Most pressingly, LaMelo Ball is OUT with an ankle injury he suffered ahead of the Hornets’ Orlando Magic game. So is Josh Okogie as he deals with a hamstring issue. Tre Mann, who hasn’t played since November, is also OUT. He’s likely to miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery. 

The same goes for Grant Williams after he suffered a torn ACL last year in December. Hornets’ big man, Mark Williams, is also OUT as he’s yet to return to the team following his failed Lakers trade. However, this decision does appear to be mutual, as Charlotte wants him to “readjust being back with the team.”

That said, let’s have a look at the potential lineups we may see on our screens during the Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets.

Lakers vs Hornets – predicted starting lineups and depth chart

Even though LeBron James’ status is day-to-day, it is more than likely he’ll play against the Hornets. ‘The King’ played through injuries for a lot of games this year. And this upcoming Charlotte game probably won’t be any different. And we may see more of new signee Alex Len despite a disappointing showing in his debut against the Utah Jazz. Here’s how the Lakers may line up to face the Hornets:

The Hornets, too, have their fair share of injuries. But undoubtedly, the biggest absentee for them is LaMelo Ball. He’s been a rare bright spot in the gloomy season that they’ve spent as one of the bottom teams in the Eastern Conference. Nevertheless, here’s how the Hornets may look against the Los Angeles Lakers:

On paper, this matchup does not seem close. The Lakers sit comfortably in a playoff spot while the Hornets sit close to the bottom. However, if the Lakers’ last game showed us anything, it’s that they cannot be trusted defensively. So if LeBron does indeed miss the game, who knows? The Hornets may just upset the Lakers.