LeBron James was granted an excused absence from the Los Angeles Lakers practice on Wednesday for personal reasons, coach JJ Redick confirmed.
James missed the Lakers’ win over Portland on Sunday due to left foot soreness, marking his first absence of the season. He was also absent from the Lakers’ training complex for the first practice during their extended break for the NBA Cup tournament, but Redick clarified it as an “excused absence.”
With Los Angeles’ next game set for Friday at Minnesota, Redick remains uncertain whether James or fellow starter Austin Reaves will be available for the matchup against the Timberwolves.
“I think both of them are day-to-day,” Redick said. “Just kind of wait and see how it looks (Thursday). Wait and see how it looks Friday.”
James will turn 40 in less than three weeks, and Redick previously indicated that the Lakers would use their current four-day stretch without a game to give rest to the superstar, who is currently in his record-tying 22nd NBA season.
James expressed a desire earlier this season to play in all 82 games, but both he and the Lakers are now being practical about the inevitable minor injuries that arise during any season.
James hit a slight shooting slump right after Thanksgiving but rebounded during the Lakers’ road trip with two outstanding games. He scored 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting in a blowout loss at Miami and followed up with 39 points, 11 assists, and ten rebounds in Atlanta’s come-from-behind win over the Lakers last Friday.
The Lakers are on a 3-7 skid since their 10-4 start to the season. Still, Redick remains confident in their ability to fix the problems that have plagued them recently in offensive consistency and defensive intensity. Redick also said he has spoken frequently with James and Anthony Davis about the Lakers’ ability to stay mentally strong during bad stretches.
“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 has missed five straight games with a bruised left pelvis. He was limited in Wednesday’s practice but is nearing a return to the court, Redick said.