LeBron James Returns to Lineup as Lakers Face Nuggets in Crucial Western Conference Matchup

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (Image via Getty)TheLos Angeles Lakerswill haveLeBron Jamesin the lineup when they play the Denver Nuggets onMarch 14, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. The forward recently returned after missing three games with a right hip contusion along with ongoing arthritis in his left foot.James, who is 41, played in the Lakers’ win over the Chicago Bulls after recovering from the injury. His return comes at an important time as the Lakers face Denver again in a game that affects the Western Conference standings.LeBron James' injury report vs Denver Nuggets (March 14, 2026)LeBron James injured his hip during a fall in the Lakers’ loss to the Nuggets on March 5. The injury came on top of arthritis in his left foot, which has already caused him to miss 18 games this season.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: 'All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,' says Iran after US hits Kharg IslandPakistan Orders Salary Cuts: Sharif okays 5–30% SOE pay hit; savings used only for public reliefUS military supremacy shines as China fails big in Iran, VenezuelaAfter the fall, James missed three straight games. During that time, he continued treatment and went through evaluations. Before returning, he took part in pregame shooting and other team activities.The Lakers have not listed him on their injury report for this game. That means he is fully available. He is expected to start with Luka Doncic in the backcourt.Lakers injury report and roster situation (March 14, 2026)The Los Angeles Lakers enter the game with a 41-25 record and a four-game winning streak.Most of the roster is available, but there are still a few injury concerns.Jaxson Hayes is listed as a game-time decision because of back soreness. Hayes has been an important rim protector for the team this season. Maxi Kleber will miss the game with a lumbar back strain, which reduces depth in the frontcourt behind DeAndre Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt.Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Bronny James are all available.They have helped the Lakers maintain their form while dealing with injuries during the season.Nuggets vs Lakers Standingsand key players to watch (March 14, 2026)The game has importance for both teams in the Western Conference standings. The Los Angeles Lakers are third in the conference with a 41-25 record. The Nuggets are fifth at 41-26.The teams last met on March 6. During that game, James set the NBA record for all-time field goals before leaving with the hip injury.Denver continues to rely on Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 28.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists this season. For the Lakers, Luka Doncic leads the offense with 32.9 points per game. Los Angeles also leads the league in field goal percentage at 50 percent.Also read:Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Denver Nuggets? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (March 14, 2026)With both teams close in the standings and several key players available, the result of this game could affect the race in the Western Conference.Celebrating India's sporting legends at the Times of India Sports Awards - Book Passes Now!.