As play resumes after the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend, thus begins what LeBron James has called the most important 23 regular season games of his career.
It may have been a slight exaggeration, but James' stance makes sense given the Lakers' 27-32 record at this juncture of the season and their small margin of error with respect to a potential playoff push. The crucial stretch begins on Thursday as the Lakers host the Warriors, who currently hold a 2.5-game lead in the standings.
After missing the postseason entirely last year, LA will lean on James, Anthony Davis and members of its retooled rotation to go on a run and build momentum to rise in the Western Conference standings. Golden State, on the other hand, is looking to get hot at the right time, stay in the playoff picture and defend its remarkable title from 2022.
When the final stretch of the season gets underway, will LA's James and Golden State's Stephen Curry be in action? The Sporting News has the latest on their status for Thursday night's game.
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Are LeBron James and Stephen Curry playing tonight?
Despite suffering a hand contusion on a block attempt, James avoided serious injury in the All-Star Game and is listed as probable for Thursday night's game with left foot soreness, per the NBA's official injury report at 8:30 a.m. James' comments suggest that he will be available to play.
Curry remains out with a sprain in his left superior tibia and fibula and will be re-evaluated in a week's time.
MORE: What we know about Stephen Curry's leg injury
What channel is Lakers vs. Warriors on?
- TV channel: TNT
- Streaming: Sling TV
In the United States, Lakers vs. Warriors will be broadcast on TNT. Fans in the U.S. can also stream Lakers vs. Warriors with a subscription to Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Lakers vs. Warriors start time
- Date: Feb. 23, 2023
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT
Lakers vs. Warriors from Crypto.com Arena is scheduled to tip off around 10 p.m. ET, which is 7 p.m. local time in Los Angeles.
Lakers schedule 2022-23
Here are Los Angeles' next five games:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Feb. 23 | vs. Warriors | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 26 | at Mavericks | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Feb. 28 | at Grizzlies | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| March 1 | at Thunder | 8 p.m. | — |
| March 3 | vs. Timberwolves | 10:30 p.m. | — |
Warriors schedule 2022-23
Here are Golden State's next five games:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Feb. 23 | at Lakers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 24 | vs. Rockets | 10 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 26 | vs. Timberwolves | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Feb. 28 | vs. Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
| March 2 | vs. Clippers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
