LeBron James ruled out for Knicks game with elbow injury
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LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers announced Sunday that LeBron James will sit for the second straight contest because of a left elbow contusion and ongoing left foot arthritis.
The 41-year-old forward was hurt late in Thursday’s 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets when he fell after contact from Nikola Jokić while converting a layup. “It’s pretty sore right now,” James said after that game, comparing the pain to an intensified “funny bone” sensation.
This marks the first time James has missed back-to-back games since he opened the 2025-26 season on the injured list for 14 games with sciatica in his lower back and right leg. In his record 23rd NBA season, the four-time MVP is averaging 21.4 points on 50.4% shooting, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists. Los Angeles is 12-7 in games played without him this season.
Head coach JJ Redick said centers Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber, both sidelined for Friday’s 128-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers, were cleared to return against New York. Forward Rui Hachimura started in James’ place on Sunday.
Source: ESPN
