Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will sit out at the venue where it all began, as James will miss Wednesday’s game at the Sacramento Kings for the purpose of rest.
James’ first NBA game came at Sacramento in 2003, when he was a rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He eventually led the Cavs to five Finals appearances, including a championship in 2016.
He also led the Lakers with 38 points in a home loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. And the back-to-back at Sacramento is why James will sit out in the final game before the break. The NBA All-Star game is Sunday in Atlanta.
James, 36, has played in all 36 games for the defending champions this season, averaging 25.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists. He will remain in LA to receive treatment on a wonky ankle Wednesday, the team said.
More from Los Angeles
- Already missing Anthony Davis, the Lakers have been beset by players hitting the injured list over the past few weeks. Both Marc Gasol (health and safety protocols) and Kyle Kuzma (bruised heel) missed Wednesday’s loss to the Suns. The Lakers (24-12) currently sit in third place in the Western Conference.
- Point guard Dennis Schroder‘s has made a “stabilizing” impact on the Lakers’ half-court sets, according to Kyle Goon of the LA Daily News. “He is usually faster than the player defending him, and through a set of dribbles, he can create good possessions by getting to the rim with his speedy first step,” Goon wrote.
- LeBron admittedly has tried to ramp it up defensively during the Lakers’ difficult string of injuries. “I’ve just been a little bit more active, you know, trying to be in the right position that it benefits our team, benefit myself,” he told reporters. “I’ve just been flying around.”
