LeBron James, Marcus Smart to Miss Lakers’ Home Game Against Pelicans
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James and Marcus Smart will not play Sunday night against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. James is sidelined for “left foot injury management,” while Smart remains out with back spasms and will miss his second straight contest.
Sunday’s matchup marks the first half of a back-to-back set that continues Monday when the Phoenix Suns visit Los Angeles. By resting the two veterans, the club hopes to have both available for the game against Phoenix.
James, who will turn 41 later this season, is in his 23rd NBA campaign. He missed the first 14 games of the year because of right-side sciatica and will now sit out his 15th contest. Because he is unlikely to appear in the league-minimum 65 regular-season games, the four-time MVP will be ineligible for postseason awards. The Lakers are 4-0 in the games he has played this season.
Smart has provided a defensive boost since joining Los Angeles but continues to be monitored carefully to prevent his back issue from worsening.
The Lakers enter Sunday on a six-game winning streak with a 14-4 record. New Orleans arrives struggling, having dropped 11 of its last 12.
Head coach JJ Redick previously outlined the organization’s plan to schedule rest days for James throughout the year. “We’re going to have to manage this as best as we can given there’s no precedent for it,” Redick said, citing daily communication with James and longtime trainer Mike Mancias. “We’ll figure out ways to get him rest when he needs rest.”
Source: LakersNation.com
