LeBron James Sits Out Due to Injury in Lakers Victory
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James did not participate in Sunday’s 133-121 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans due to the management of a left foot injury. James, 40, missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica, a nerve problem affecting the lower back and right side of the body. The four-time NBA MVP also missed games last season due to his left foot.It’s an injury he’s had in the past. It’s something we’ve had to manage in the past. Given the back-to-back and the fact that he’s basically just come out of his training camp, this has been his training camp in the last 10 days or so, just being cautious.
JJ Redick, Lakers Coach
Sunday was the first part of a back-to-back for the Lakers, with a home game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, a longtime friend and agent of James, indicated that it was his preference that James not play in back-to-back games to preserve his body as he plays in his 23rd season, setting a record. Redick stated that the Lakers have not ruled out back-to-backs for James in the future. The Lakers have 10 games remaining on the schedule after the game against the Pelicans and Suns is completed.James averages 16.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in four games this season since returning from a sciatic injury. The Lakers have a 4-0 record with him in the lineup. The Lakers were also without guard Marcus Smart for the second straight game due to back spasms. With James and Smart out, Gabe Vincent, who started the first three games of the season for L.A., rejoined the starting lineup.We’re going to build him up, hopefully, so he can play in back-to-backs. That’s the goal. … Every back-to-back is a case-by-case basis, that’s the reality of the NBA right now. But we want him to be able to play in back-to-backs, he wants that too. So we’re going to work towards that.
JJ Redick, Lakers Coach
