Inglewood, Calif. — Speaking before the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on Feb. 15, 2026, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James said the team’s ability to stay healthy in the season’s second half will determine whether it can contend for a title.
“The most important thing for our ball club right now is health. I can’t state it any more clear,” James told reporters. “I’m not quite sure how many games we’ve had where we’ve had a full roster.”
The Lakers enter the break tied for fifth in the Western Conference after an uneven first half. All-Stars James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves have each missed extended stretches, as have several role players, preventing the team from establishing continuity.
James contrasted his club with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who defeated Los Angeles in the final game before the break. “They’re a championship team and right now we’re not,” he said.
Seeking a Late-Season Surge
The 41-year-old veteran emphasized that the Lakers’ coaching staff “will give us a game plan every night,” but added that execution depends on having a complete lineup. “Our success is going to come down to our health,” he said.
Asked what this group can achieve, James noted recent roster changes — including additions he identified only as “DA, Marcus and Jake” — and said injuries have made evaluation difficult. “When we’ve played some of our best basketball, we’ve looked very good. On the other side, when we’ve been terrible, we’ve looked disgusting,” he admitted.
James said his focus is fixed on the playoff push. “We’re gearing up toward the postseason. We’ve gotten past the marathon and the sprint is about to start,” he said.
Future Still Unclear
Now in his 23rd NBA season and the final year of his Lakers contract, James was non-committal about how much longer he plans to play. During All-Star Weekend he told reporters he still has no timetable for a decision.
The Lakers resume play next week hoping a healthier roster can fuel a run through a crowded Western Conference.
Source: LakersNation.com
