LeBron James will not participate in the Los Angeles Lakers’ upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to persistent soreness in his left foot. This absence marks his second consecutive game missed after the team returns from a four-day break, an announcement made by the Lakers on Thursday.
Previously, James had taken a brief hiatus for personal reasons earlier in the week, as mentioned by Lakers coach JJ Redick. The uncertainty surrounding whether James will travel to Minnesota before the team’s home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday adds to the situation’s complexity.
This season marks James’ record-tying 22nd in the NBA, during which he missed his first game last Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers due to the same foot injury. Currently, he averages 23.0 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game, but the Lakers have faced challenges recently, with a record of just 3 wins in their last 10 games after a promising 10-4 start.
In addition to James’s absence, the Lakers have made roster updates with starter Austin Reaves listed as questionable after recovering from a pelvic bruise that kept him out of the previous five games. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is considered probable for the game, as he deals with left plantar fasciitis.
While the Lakers navigate through these injuries, it remains a crucial time for the team to regroup and focus on strategies to maintain competitiveness in the league. With key players like Davis potentially available and Reaves nearing a return, fans can hold onto hope that the team will bounce back and regain their winning form soon.