After suffering a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers finally received some positive news ahead of their next game. Just hours before tip-off, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin shared the team’s latest injury report, revealing that most of the roster is now fully healthy.

“Luka Doncic (R ankle), Dorian Finney-Smith (L ankle), Rui Hachimura (L patellar tendinopathy), Austin Reaves (R ankle), Jarred Vanderbilt (R groin), and Gabe Vincent (L knee) have all been upgraded to available tonight,” McMenamin posted on X.

LeBron James, who has been sidelined since March 8 due to a groin injury, has been working on his recovery. Initially listed as questionable and a game-time decision, NBA insider Shams Charania later confirmed that he will be making his return.

“After missing two weeks with a groin strain, Lakers star LeBron James will play tonight against the Chicago Bulls,” Shams reported.

The Lakers have dealt with numerous injuries in recent weeks, significantly affecting their lineup. With LeBron James and Rui Hachimura both out, the team’s wing depth has taken a hit, making it harder for them to compete at full capacity.

On Thursday against the Bucks, the Lakers were missing six key players, including four starters. The lack of depth showed, as they suffered a 23-point defeat, dropping their record to 43-26 for the season.

Luckily, the Lakers are now back at full strength, providing a chance to see their roster perform without any restrictions. Since acquiring Luka Doncic, the team has emerged as one of the strongest in the Western Conference, and with the playoffs approaching, they can now build much-needed momentum.

The Western Conference remains highly competitive, with only a three-game difference between the second and fifth seeds. If the Lakers hope to finish in the top three, they must be nearly flawless for the remainder of the season, which will require staying healthy.

At 40 years old, LeBron James faces a challenging road ahead, but the Lakers are expected to manage his minutes carefully. Tonight against the Bulls, coach JJ Redick will likely ease LeBron back into action to avoid unnecessary strain on his body.

Now at full strength, the Lakers have become one of the most intriguing teams to watch this season. With the second seed within reach, they have a real opportunity to climb the standings in the coming weeks. Keeping their core players healthy will be the key to their success.