LeBron James Sidelined for Spurs Matchup, Facing 65-Game Award Hurdle
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Los Angeles — Lakers forward LeBron James will not play Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leaving the 41-year-old just shy of the participation mark required for end-of-season awards.
The team listed James as out with left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica after he logged 33 minutes in Tuesday’s road win over New Orleans. The contest in San Antonio is the second half of a back-to-back.
Wednesday’s absence is James’ 17th this season, meaning he would now have to appear in every remaining game to reach the league’s 65-game minimum for honors such as MVP and All-NBA. James has earned All-NBA recognition in each of his previous 21 seasons.
“Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD,” James said Tuesday. “I’m 41; I’ve got the most minutes in NBA history.”
Head coach JJ Redick told reporters he hopes James can eventually play both ends of back-to-backs, but noted the veteran experienced discomfort in his left foot after Tuesday’s outing.
James appeared in 70 games last season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists, earning Second Team All-NBA honors and finishing sixth in MVP voting. Through 40 games this year he is averaging 21.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists. The forward was limited to 45, 56 and 55 games in the previous three campaigns, seasons that predated the new 65-game rule.
On the Spurs’ side, rookie center Victor Wembanyama, previously questionable with a left knee bone bruise, has been cleared to play, according to the team.
Source: Hoops Rumors
