LeBron James missed his first set of action since making his 2025-2026 NBA season debut on Sunday.
The Los Angeles Lakers hosted the struggling New Orleans Pelicans, firing up a back-to-back set. On Saturday night, the Lakers teased the idea of having LeBron sit out by listing him as questionable.
In the hours leading up to Sunday's tip, the team didn't waste much more time with his status. The Lakers made the decision to rule out LeBron for the game, leaving his status for Monday's action against the Phoenix Suns in question.
Lakers Reveal LeBron James' Initial Injury Status vs Suns
LeBron won’t be missing two in a row on Monday night. When the Lakers released their injury report on Monday afternoon, James’ name was left off, signaling he is expected to be healthy and ready to roll for the team’s second leg of the back-to-back.
Before Sunday's game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed LeBron's foot-related setback and discussed the potential of the veteran forward playing in back-to-backs in the future.
The foot injury isn't anything major. Redick noted that it's been an issue LeBron has been dealing with, and the decision to rule him out as a result of the management plan is simply a sign of caution.
As for the back-to-back conversation, the Lakers don't plan to have James split those games every time. "We're going to build him up," Redick told reporters on Sunday. "Hopefully, to be able to play in back-to-backs. That's the goal. … Every back-to-back is a case-by-case. That's just the reality of the NBA right now. We want him to be able to play in back-to-backs. So does he. So, we're going to work toward that."
James didn't participate in this one, but there is a set later this week. It begins with a road matchup against the Toronto Raptors, and ends with another road trip to visit the Boston Celtics.
Before the Lakers get there, they have to face the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. After a 133-121 win over the Pelicans, the 15-4 Lakers will take on a thriving Suns team that holds a 12-9 record at the start of the week.
The two teams will tip off at 10 PM ET.
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This story was originally published December 1, 2025 at 1:08 PM.