The Lakers' hopes of using their Emirates NBA Cup break to reset hit an unexpected snag Wednesday when LeBron James missed practice due to personal reasons.
"LeBron is not with the team right now and he's out for personal reasons, an excused absence," head coach JJ Redick confirmed, listing James as day-to-day. The coach couldn't guarantee whether James would travel with the team Thursday or suit up for Friday's clash with Minnesota.
James's absence comes at a frustrating time for the team as the Lakers had targeted this break to address mounting concerns about James's workload. At 39 and battling left foot soreness, James has shouldered an outsized burden this season, especially since Austin Reaves's injury forced lineup adjustments.
Meanwhile, trade speculation continues to swirl around the league as the team weighs options to help address their struggling defense. Despite recent social media chatter advocating for a complete rebuild, sources indicate the franchise remains "highly unlikely" to consider trading James or Anthony Davis. This comes as no surprise as it aligns with the Lakers' historical resistance to rebuilding, even as they've increased their focus on youth development.
The harsh reality? Even with James and Davis performing at elite levels most nights, this roster hasn't shown championship potential. However, the front office appears committed to retooling around their stars rather than starting over.
The more pressing concern is James's availability for Friday. After dropping seven of their last nine games, the Lakers desperately need their leader back on the court - but only if he's physically and mentally ready to return.
Related: Lakers Open to LeBron Trade Talks as Championship Window Narrows
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This story was originally published December 12, 2024, 4:48 AM.