LeBron James Cleared to Play; Marcus Smart Sidelined for Lakers’ Road Game vs. Suns
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced Monday that forward LeBron James will be available against the Phoenix Suns, while guard Marcus Smart remains out as he continues lower-back injury management.
James missed Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the first half of the back-to-back, as the club manages his workload early in the season. Head coach JJ Redick said the goal is to build James up so he can eventually appear in both games of back-to-back sets, though each instance will be evaluated individually.
Smart’s absence deprives Los Angeles of its primary perimeter defender at a time when the Lakers face Suns guard Devin Booker. Monday’s matchup opens a stretch of five consecutive games against opponents with winning records.
The Lakers enter the night riding a seven-game winning streak and improving health throughout the roster. Redick, however, noted that the team eased off in the second half against a short-handed Pelicans squad, allowing the game to remain closer than expected.
James, who turns 41 later this season and is in his 23rd NBA campaign, did not participate in a full training camp. The organization is taking precautions to keep him fresh for the postseason, but both player and coach have expressed confidence he will handle heavier minutes as the season progresses.
Source: LakersNation.com
