LeBron James was granted an excused absence from the Los Angeles Lakers observe on Wednesday for private causes, coach JJ Redick confirmed.
James missed the Lakers’ win over Portland on Sunday as a consequence of left foot soreness, marking his first absence of the season. He was additionally absent from the Lakers’ coaching advanced for the primary observe throughout their prolonged break for the NBA Cup event, however Redick clarified it as an “excused absence.”
With Los Angeles’ subsequent recreation set for Friday at Minnesota, Redick stays unsure whether or not James or fellow starter Austin Reaves might be obtainable for the matchup towards the Timberwolves.
“I think both of them are day to day,” Redick mentioned. “Just kind of wait and see how it looks (Thursday), wait and see how it looks Friday.”
James will flip 40 in lower than three weeks, and Redick beforehand indicated that the Lakers would use their present four-day stretch with no recreation to offer relaxation to the celebrity, who’s at the moment in his record-tying twenty second NBA season.
James expressed a want earlier this season to play in all 82 video games, however each he and the Lakers are actually being sensible concerning the inevitable minor accidents that come up throughout any season.
James hit a slight taking pictures hunch proper after Thanksgiving however rebounded through the Lakers’ street journey with two excellent video games. He scored 29 factors on 12-of-18 taking pictures in a blowout loss at Miami, and adopted up with 39 factors, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in Atlanta’s come-from-behind win over the Lakers final Friday.
The Lakers are on a 3-7 skid since their 10-4 begin to the season, however Redick stays assured of their means to repair the issues which have plagued them just lately in offensive consistency and defensive depth. Redick additionally mentioned he has spoken regularly with James and Anthony Davis concerning the Lakers’ means to remain mentally sturdy throughout unhealthy stretches.
“Honestly, both of them have taken ownership,” Redick mentioned. “They’re the leaders of the team on the court. I had a great conversation with LeBron last week about the way he played in Miami and Atlanta, beyond just the stats, but the way he played, the way he led. It was great.”
Reaves has missed 5 straight video games with a bruised left pelvis. He was restricted in Wednesday’s observe however is nearing a return to the court docket, Redick mentioned.
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