Lakers coach admits confusion over LeBron James situation after superstar misses defeat
LeBron James has missed two consecutive Los Angeles Lakers games, with uncertainty surrounding his return to the team.
The NBA superstar was absent from Friday night’s defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to what coach JJ Redick described as personal reasons.
This followed James’ previous absence from Sunday’s victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, where he was sidelined with soreness in his left foot.
The 39-year-old, who is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has now missed two of his team’s 25 games this season, despite earlier expressing his ambition to play in all 82 regular-season matches.
When questioned before the Timberwolves game about James’ potential return date, Lakers coach JJ Redick offered a notably brief response.
“No,” was Redick’s sole reply when asked if he knew when James would be back with the team.
The coach’s non-committal answer has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the Lakers star’s availability.
James has been away from the Lakers since Wednesday, with the team providing no additional details beyond citing personal reasons for his most recent absence.
Despite his recent absences, James has maintained impressive statistics this season, averaging 23 points, 8 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game.
JUST IN: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight night in chaos as British undercard star fails drugs test
The Lakers star has recorded 13 double-doubles and seven triple-doubles in his 23 starts this season.
The team has posted a 12-11 record with James in the lineup, highlighting his crucial role in their performance.
Overall, the Lakers currently stand at 13-12 for the season, showing signs of struggle in recent weeks.
READ MORE: Frank Warren responds to Tyson Fury weight rumours ahead of seismic Oleksandr Usyk boxing rematch
The team’s form has been particularly concerning, having lost eight of their past 11 games, indicating a difficult period for the franchise.
James, who turns 40 on 30 December, has seen his goal of playing all 82 regular-season games already derailed by these early-season absences.
The Lakers will look to halt their poor run of form when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
Their most recent defeat, a 97-87 loss at the Target Centre in Minnesota, highlighted their ongoing struggles without James.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Pep Guardiola reveals ‘skin problem’ with Man City boss struggling ahead of blockbuster Man Utd clash
- Former Premier League star sentenced to 20 years in prison on corruption charges
- Jamie Carragher doesn’t hold back on Marcus Rashford with Man Utd ‘open to selling star in January’
Anthony Davis led the Lakers’ effort in James’ absence, contributing 23 points and 11 rebounds against the Timberwolves.
The Minnesota defeat proved particularly costly, as the Timberwolves claimed their fifth win in six games, powered by Anthony Edwards’ 23-point performance.
The upcoming clash with Memphis represents a crucial opportunity for the Lakers to reverse their fortunes, though uncertainty remains over James’ availability for the fixture.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, with a 02:30 GMT Monday start time for UK viewers.