Time is running out for the Los Angeles Lakers to salvage what's left of their season as they chase a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
The team is currently on a three-game skid and holds only a half-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for the final Play-In spot. While LeBron James has been otherworldly this season, averaging 30.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, he has been shouldering a heavy workload down the home stretch.
Unfortunately for James and the Lakers, he hurt his ankle in the first half of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans when he stepped on the foot of Jaxson Hayes. This caused James' ankle to twist, and he immediately got checked out by team staffers.
He ultimately stayed in the game, finishing with 39 points.
Will LeBron be able to suit up against the Jazz and keep the Lakers in the playoff picture?
MORE: Watch NBA games live with Sling TV (U.S. only)
Is LeBron James playing tonight vs. Jazz?
According to Marc Stein, LeBron is out for Thursday's matchup against the Jazz with an ankle injury.
The Lakers have ruled LeBron James (left ankle) out Thursday at Utah while Anthony Davis (right foot) is listed as doubtful.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 30, 2022
More NBA from me: https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP pic.twitter.com/kO8WCUEEiE
This doesn't come as much of a surprise, considering after Sunday's game, James said his ankle felt "horrible."
The Lakers are in danger of missing the Play-In Tournament. They are 6-15 on the year in games where James doesn't play.
MORE: Is LeBron James the greatest scorer of all time?
What channel is Lakers vs. Jazz on?
- TV channel (USA): TNT
- TV channel (Los Angeles): Spectrum SportsNet
- TV channel (Canada): SN One
- Stream (USA): TNTdrama.com | Sling TV
In the United States, Lakers vs. Jazz will air nationally on TNT and can be streamed on TNTdrama.com, the Watch TNT app or Sling TV.
Viewers in the Lakers' region can watch a local broadcast on Spectrum SportsNet. In Canada, Lakers vs. Jazz will air nationally on SN One.
Lakers vs. Jazz start time
- Date: Thursday, March 31
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Lakers vs. Jazz is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 31. The game will be played at Utah's Vivint Arena and will tip off shortly after the scheduled time.
Lakers schedule 2021-22
After playing in Utah on Thursday night, the Lakers will have six games remaining in the 2021-22 regular season. LA cannot qualify for a top-six playoff spot but can qualify for the NBA's Play-In Tournament, which will be held from April 12-15.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV (US) | National TV (Canada) |
| March 31 | at Jazz | 10 p.m. | TNT | SN One |
| April 1 | vs. Pelicans | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV | SN One |
| April 3 | vs. Nuggets | 3:30 p.m. | ABC | — |
| April 5 | at Suns | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV | SN 360 |
| April 7 | at Warriors | 10 p.m. | TNT | SN 360 |
| April 8 | vs. Thunder | 10:30 p.m. | — | SN One |
| April 10 | at Nuggets | TBD | — | NBA TV Canada |
