LeBron James was given time off from the Los Angeles Lakers’ practice on Wednesday for personal reasons, according to coach JJ Redick.
James had already missed the Lakers’ win against Portland on Sunday due to left foot soreness, marking his first game missed this season. He was also absent from the Lakers’ first practice during their extended break caused by the NBA Cup tournament, but Redick called it an “excused absence.”
The Lakers will play their next game on Friday against Minnesota, but Redick isn’t sure if James or another starter, Austin Reaves, will be available for the game.
“I think both of them it seems like are day to day,” Redick said. “Just kind of wait and see how it looks (Thursday), wait and see how it looks Friday.”
James, who is turning 40 in less than three weeks, has already mentioned that the Lakers planned to give him some rest during their four-day break from games. This is especially true during his 22nd season in the NBA.
Earlier this season, James expressed his wish to play in all 82 games, but both he and the Lakers have adjusted their approach due to the minor injuries that naturally happen during the course of a season.
After a small shooting slump following Thanksgiving, James played exceptionally well during the Lakers’ road trip. He scored 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting in a loss to Miami, and then followed up with 39 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in a comeback win over Atlanta last Friday.
Since their 10-4 start to the season, the Lakers have been struggling, going 3-7. However, Redick remains confident that they can fix the issues with offensive consistency and defensive effort.
He also shared that he has had multiple conversations with both James and Anthony Davis about the team staying mentally strong during tough times.
“Honestly, both of them have taken ownership,” Redick said. “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, who has been out for five games with a bruised left pelvis, was limited in Wednesday’s practice but is getting closer to returning to the court, Redick said.
