Here’s why LeBron James is taking a break from the Lakers
The 39-year-old is averaging 23 points per game this season for the LA Lakers but has struggled in recent outings.
The LA Lakers will be without LeBron James for Friday’s trip to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with head coach J. J. Reddick telling reporters that his “excused absence” down to “personal reasons”.
James also missed Wednesday’s victory over the Portland Trail Blazers due to a foot injury. Despite turning 40 this month, the Portland clash was the first game of 13 this season that LeBron James has sat out.
There had been speculation that James' advancing age would require a gentler touch from the Lakers coaching staff, allowing him greater chance to rest. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday Reddick admitted that he would need to moderate the superstar’s minutes this season.
“In game, he’s asked for a sub a couple times because he’s gassed,” Redick revealed. “For us, we have to be cognizant as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes, and Sunday, being banged up with the foot thing, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest.”
Will LeBron James play for the Lakers against the Timberwolves on Friday?
On Thursday evening an NBA statement confirmed that LeBron James will not feature for the Lakers at the Timberwolves. The 39-year-old did not fly with the team to Minnesota and will use the time to continue his recovery from the foot issue that kept him sidelined earlier this week.
The report confirmed that James is still struggling with “left foot soreness, and the Lakers are expected to be overly cautious with their star forward amid any potential injury concerns he might have.”
With James ruled out, Max Christie looks set to remain in the starting lineup. The next potential outing for LeBron James comes on Sunday when LA hosts the Memphis Grizzlies.
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