Is LeBron James Playing Tonight? (Latest Injury Updates and News for Lakers vs. Nets on Jan. 30)

The Los Angeles Lakers return to action on Monday night after their controversial overtime loss to the Boston Celtics over the weekend. Unfortunately for them, however, they'll be without their two best players.

LeBron James Injury Update (1/30/2023)

LeBron James and Anthony Davis have both been ruled out for the Lakers' road tilt against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.

In James' case, he is reportedly dealing with a sore left ankle after playing 44 minutes against Boston on Saturday. The injury doesn't appear to be too serious, and it sounds like the 38-year-old legend could be simply getting a well-deserved rest day after appearing in nine straight games for Los Angeles.

With another game scheduled for Tuesday against the New York Knicks, James will have a quick turnaround if he wants to get back on the court.

LeBron James Fantasy Outlook and Prop Bets Today

Without James and Davis, the Lakers enter Monday's game as heavy road underdogs against the Nets. Brooklyn is favored by 9 points and at -370 moneyline odds on FanDuel Sportsbook's NBA odds, which isn't surprising given how much better the Nets have been. Brooklyn checks in at fourth in the Eastern Conference at 30-19, while Los Angeles is 13th in the Western Conference at 23-27.

The absences of LA's two superstars make Russell Westbrook a strong target for prop bets and DFS lineups tonight. The former MVP will likely carry a heavy load and is expected to lead the Lakers' offense without them. He'll also likely start the game after primarily coming off the bench this season. While there aren't any Westbrook props up at FanDuel yet, we'd recommend the Over on his traditional stats (points, rebounds, assists etc.) and think he's a terrific DFS play at $7,800.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.