The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Utah Jazz on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Crypto.com Arena. Carmelo Anthony hasn't played in over a week because of a back injury. So, is Carmelo Anthony playing vs. the Jazz?

Is Carmelo Anthony playing vs. Jazz

The Lakers are struggling, having lost three in a row. They now sit at 21-22 and toward the bottom of the Western Conference playoff picture. Anthony has been sidelined the past two games with lower back tightness — the first two contests the 37-year old has missed since joining the Lakers prior to the 2021-22 NBA season.

Melo was listed as questionable for both the Lakers' losses to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, and that is the case again for Monday's game against the Jazz. He tested out his back in shootaround before the Kings but decided he couldn't go.

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Anthony has been one of the steadiest contributors for the Lakers this season, and a key spark plug — usually off the bench. In 41 games this season (three starts), the future Hall of Famer is averaging 13.2 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 42.7% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range.

Elsewhere on the Lakers' injury report, Anthony Davis (MCL sprain in left knee) remains out, though there is internal optimism that he could return before the end of the month. The Lakers are expected to provide a more detailed update on Davis' status as early as Monday. Kendrick Nunn (knee bone bruise) is still out, too.

LeBron James, as per usual, is listed on the injury report as “probable” with the rectus abdominis strain that he has dealt with since November. Dwight Howard is also listed as probable with knee soreness, which caused him to miss the Kings game. He started against the Nuggets on Saturday.

Jazz-Lakers tips off at 7:30 p.m. PT. As for the question on whether Carmelo Anthony is playing tonight vs. the Jazz? It's up in the air.