LeBron James is stepping away from the court for a while.
The Los Angeles Lakers forward missed the Dec. 6 game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a sore foot, and he may not return in time for their match against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 13.
Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed on Dec. 11 that LeBron is currently away from the team for personal reasons, calling it an excused absence.
LeBron’s absence from the game against Washington means he won’t be able to fulfill his goal of playing all 82 games this season.
The Lakers have faced challenges without him, with teammate Max Christie noting the adjustment at practice.
“Having a leader like that not here is tough, but I know some of that stuff is out of our control,” said Christie.
“It’s a next-man-up mentality, even in practice. The guys still competed really hard even though he wasn’t here.”
Christian Koloko also expressed confidence that LeBron will return ready to give his best. “We know he already knows everything,” Koloko said.
“He’s going to come back and he’s still going to be the same. He’s going to give everything on the court.”
While LeBron’s performance has dipped this season, with reports suggesting a decline in his game, coach Redick previously acknowledged uncertainty around whether the 40-year-old will be able to play every game this season.
“I don’t know if that’s in the best interest of him and us if he does that, but if he’s feeling well and good, then he should play,” Redick explained.
Despite the challenges, LeBron has had some memorable moments this season.
One of the highlights came in October when his eldest son, Bronny James, joined the Lakers.
LeBron shared his immense pride in the achievement, expressing his joy on social media, saying, “Pure joy man. I don’t have any words. I’m just super proud of him to get to this point. He’s a man, and he’s ready to go.”
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