Los Angeles — Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James said his latest foot discomfort is simply part of getting older after missing a recent game for injury management.
James, 40, sat out the matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans while the team listed him with lingering foot pain. Speaking with reporters, the four-time MVP joked that the issue was “called old,” adding, “You just wake up with stuff you didn’t have before.”
First season opener missed of his career
The veteran had already been sidelined at the start of the 2025-26 season because of a sciatica flare-up suffered during the offseason, marking the first time in 23 NBA seasons he was unavailable on opening night.
Managing minutes in Year 23
Head coach JJ Redick said the organization intends for James to appear in back-to-back games later this year but will proceed cautiously given the star’s mileage and injury history. The club believes a healthy James remains essential to staying competitive in the Western Conference.
Supporting cast shoulders the load
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves capable of handling primary offensive duties, Los Angeles can afford to schedule rest days for its oldest player. The duo guided the Lakers while James watched from the bench, preserving him for the stretch run.
Defense viewed as key
Although the Lakers rank among the league’s top offenses when James is on the floor, the 19-time All-Star said the team’s ultimate ceiling will be determined on the defensive end.
The Lakers resume play later this week, and the medical staff will continue to monitor James’s foot as the season progresses.
Source: Lakers Nation
