LeBron James sidelined for Spurs matchup with foot arthritis, sciatica
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SAN ANTONIO — The Los Angeles Lakers scratched LeBron James from Wednesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, citing left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica for the 41-year-old forward.
The decision was announced roughly 90 minutes before tipoff. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt moved into the starting lineup in James’ absence.
James missed the first 14 games of the season because of the same sciatica condition that affects his lower back and right leg, and he has not appeared in both halves of any back-to-back set since returning. He logged 33 minutes Tuesday in a 111-103 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as Los Angeles secured its third straight victory.
After that game, James told reporters his availability for future back-to-backs would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. “Every back-to-back, for the rest of the season, is TBD,” he said. “I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank [that answer] right now.”
Head coach JJ Redick explained Wednesday’s decision before tipoff in San Antonio. “A lot of it is based on his injuries and just the management of those,” Redick said. “His foot typically after a game is sore. So that’s the primary thing. We were hoping that he gets to the point where he can play in back-to-backs with his body. But this stretch and this month, it’s going to be tough to say that. We hope he’s available, but a lot of it is how he wakes up the next morning.”
Los Angeles did receive some positive news: reserve guard Gabe Vincent, out for the past nine games with a lower back injury, was cleared to play against the Spurs. Redick said Vincent would be limited to about 18 minutes.
Source: ESPN
