LeBron James missed the Lakers’ practice on Wednesday, December 11, which is something that rarely happens. It was the first practice since their win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, December 8. Lakers coach JJ Redick said LeBron missed practice for personal reasons.
LeBron James missed the Lakers’ win over Portland on Sunday due to left foot soreness, marking his first missed game of the season. He also skipped the first practice after the NBA Cup tournament, but coach JJ Redick called it an “excused absence.”
With only two games from December 9-18, Redick gave the team Monday off and made Tuesday an optional “get what you need” day. He met with several players individually, but LeBron wasn’t there.
Nothing to see here đ
— Mike The Mover (@MikeTheMover22) December 12, 2024
"LeBron is not with the team right now," Redick said after practice. "He's out for personal reasons, excused absence." pic.twitter.com/PDcXhlnfv1
According to a report by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, JJ Redick said after practice, “LeBron is not with the team right now. He’s out for personal reasons, excused absence.” Further details of why James missed practice are unclear.
LeBron James’ 82-game goal in doubt this season
LeBron James aimed to play all 82 games this season, but his recent foot soreness and shooting struggles are making it tough. Coach JJ Redick is unsure if LeBron can keep up this goal.
JJ Redick on LeBronâs commitment to play all 82 games this season:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 3, 2024
âI don't know if it's in the best interest of him and us if he does that.â
(h/t @LakersDailyCom) pic.twitter.com/co7gkJeUXJ
After LeBron scored only 10 points in a tough loss to the Timberwolves, Coach Redick said, “I don’t know that’s in the best interest of him and us if he does that, but if he’s feeling well and feeling good, then he should play. But we obviously want to … manage that as best we can.”
