Veteran forward LeBron James did not participate in the Los Angeles Lakers practice on Wednesday, with the team officially citing personal reasons for his absence.
“LeBron is not with the team right now,” head coach JJ Redick clarified during a post-practice media session. “He’s out for personal reasons, excused absence.”
This marks another brief hiatus for James, who also missed Sunday’s game due to ongoing soreness in his left foot.
The Lakers find themselves in a rare light stretch of their schedule, playing only two games in 10 days between December 9th and 18th.
To accommodate the team’s physical and mental recovery, Redick gave the players Monday completely off and made Tuesday’s session optional.
“Heck, if somebody wants to go spend a couple of nights in Santa Barbara and relax, that’s fine too,” Redick remarked following the Lakers’ recent win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
“It’s a quarter way through the season,” he added, emphasizing the importance of pacing and balance in the grueling NBA calendar.
Redick further noted that James is currently “taking some time,” but there has been no definitive update regarding his status for Friday’s upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With James being a key part of the team’s performance, his potential absence continues to be a point of attention for fans and analysts alike.
As the Lakers manage this period of rest and regrouping, all eyes will be on whether James returns to the court on Friday or takes additional time to prioritize his health and personal matters.
LeBron James 'Taking Some Time' For Personal Reasons, Status Uncertain For Friday https://t.co/9q3kkex7vd
— RealGM (@RealGM) December 11, 2024
