via Imago

The oldest player in the league has played in every game his Lakers have had up till now. But that will not be the case anymore. LeBron James was a game-time decision for Sunday’s matchup against the Trail Blazers because of left foot soreness. He started the day as probable, only to be downgraded to doubtful just 90 minutes before the game. An hour later, the 39-year-old was officially ruled out!

This foot issue first popped up ahead of Friday’s overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks, where James turned in a monster performance. In 43 minutes, he dropped 39 points, dished out 11 assists, grabbed 10 rebounds, and added three blocks and two steals. At his age, playing through injuries is nothing new, and he still managed to show why he’s one of the game’s best.

Coach JJ Redick, however, has revealed his plans for the 4x MVP, who seems to be going pretty strong barring a recent niggle. “He has an opportunity to get four days rest before we practice again, so it could be good for him,” said the 40-year-old coach.

JJ Redick on LeBron missing Sunday’s game: “He has an opportunity to get four days rest before we practice again, so it could be good for him”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 9, 2024

JJ Redick on LeBron missing Sunday’s game: “He has an opportunity to get four days rest before we practice again, so it could be good for him”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 9, 2024

Before Sunday’s game, Lakers boss JJ Redick admitted he didn’t know LeBron James was dealing with foot soreness until after the team’s loss to the Heat. The King had played 29 minutes in that game, putting up 29 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Despite the discomfort, he still performed at a high level. It’s wild how Bron can power through injuries like that—real “Iron Man” vibes.

But at the end of the day, it’s a team sport, right? One man cannot change everything. The Lakers have lost three straight games and the 22-season veteran knows the reason for these demotivating losses.

The Lakers are stuck in a rough patch, having dropped 7 of their last 10 games, including a painful 134-132 overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks. They were up by 11 at one point and had the game nearly in hand, but Ice Trae’s buzzer-beater 3-pointer sealed the deal, leaving them with another heartbreaking defeat. LeBron, after the game, pointed to injuries as a major reason behind the team’s struggles.

With key players like Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood all sidelined, the Lakers are running low on depth. “We have about 5 guys in our top 11 that are not in uniform,” LeBron said. “We’re mixing and matching a lot, trying to find ways, so it’s very challenging.”

via Imago

LeBron James also added that the team had very little room for error coming into the season.

With several crucial players out, their lack of depth has become even more evident. “We didn’t have much room for error at the beginning of the season, so to have five guys out… it’s a lot,” James noted.

Despite these setbacks, the LA side’s legacy talisman isn’t giving up. “We just gotta not drown,” he said, confident the team will bounce back. With a tough schedule ahead, including matchups with the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Blazers- JJ Redick and Co. are looking to get healthy first and then get back on track soon. Time’s ticking, but LeBron James believes they’ll be alright.