LeBron James to Miss Third Game Due to Ankle Tendinitis, Lakers Feel Impact
LeBron James will be missing his third game this season.
LeBron James, the top player for the Los Angeles Lakers, won’t be playing in the next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team says it’s because he’s dealing with tendinitis in his left ankle.
This will be his third time missing a game this season, and it’s affecting the team’s momentum.
The 38-year-old player is not playing in the next game after a tough 37-minute effort in the Lakers’ recent 124-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls. In that game, he almost got a second triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Thinking about the team’s recent challenges, James said there are different reasons for their struggles. He mentioned feeling tired both emotionally and physically and dealing with the pressure of a tough season. The Lakers, who won the first NBA In-Season Tournament, haven’t been doing as well lately, with a 1-4 record since winning the tournament.
James continues to be a key player for the Lakers, scoring an average of 25.2 points per game and performing well in assists and steals. He plays a crucial role in the team’s strategy. However, their defense has struggled since the tournament, giving up the most 3-pointers per game in the NBA and ranking poorly with a 42.8% opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
In the 26 games he’s played this season, James is keeping up impressive averages of 25.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. Throughout his illustrious career spanning 1,447 games, the NBA legend has consistently shown his skills, averaging 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
As James approaches his 39th birthday on December 30, his not playing presents challenges for the Lakers. It highlights how much the team depends on his exceptional skills and leadership, both during games and in general.