Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Thursday that LeBron James is away from the team for “personal reasons.”
Redick called it an “excused absence.” as James’ status because Friday is up in the air – he was already dealing with a foot injury and missed Wednesday’s game, his first of the year.
Since he turns 40 later this month, it looks like Father Time might want to sneak up on the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 1, 2024 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Jamie Sabau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Redick even admitted that James felt “gassed” and that the team feels like they are mismanaging his minutes in his 22nd season. Redick also said James has asked to be taken out of a few games for some breaks.
“For us, we have to be aware that we are playing more and more games. Just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes and the fact that we were hit with the foot on Sunday felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest get it,” Redick said.
James expressed a desire to play in all 82 games earlier this season, but both he and the Lakers are now practically dealing with the inevitable minor injuries that can occur during any season.
Although he already has six triple-doubles this season – including four straight – his 23.0 points per game are the lowest he has posted since his rookie season more than two decades ago. Cleveland Cavaliers.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, 23, gestures to a teammate during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn images)
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James looks like his vintage self on the glass and beyond; he is averaging 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game, both over his career totals. However, his three-point shooting has taken a dip.
Through 15 games, he hit three-pointers at a career-best 43.0%. However, in his next seven he hit only four of 34 and had missed twenty in a row. He went 6 for 11 deep in his last game, dropping 29 points, but that was only the second time he’s surpassed 20 in his last seven games.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-pointer against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto on Friday, November 1, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
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The Lakers are 3-7 since their 10-4 start to the season, but Redick remains confident in their ability to solve the issues that have plagued them recently in terms of offensive consistency and defensive intensity. Redick also said he has often spoken with James and Anthony Davis about the Lakers’ ability to stay mentally strong during down periods.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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