LeBron James/ Lakers news/ NBA shooting slump/ LeBron fatigue/ Lakers injury update/ NBA controversies/ LOS ANGELES/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ LeBron James is taking an excused absence from the Los Angeles Lakers due to personal reasons, foot soreness, and fatigue. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, struggling with a shooting slump, is recalibrating during a tough stretch for the Lakers.
LeBron James Takes a Break: Quick Looks
- Personal Reasons: Lakers coach J.J. Redick confirmed LeBron’s absence, citing personal reasons and cumulative fatigue.
- Foot Injury and Fatigue: At nearly 40 years old, LeBron has been battling foot soreness and feeling “gassed.”
- Shooting Slump: After a career-best 43% from deep earlier this season, LeBron hit just 4 of his last 34 three-pointers over seven games.
- Team Struggles: The Lakers are 3-7 in their last 10 games, struggling with consistency and intensity.
- Off-Court Drama: UFC star Colby Covington recently criticized LeBron in a rant unrelated to his absence.
LeBron James Steps Away From Lakers Amid Shooting Slump, Personal Reasons
Deep Look
LeBron James is stepping away from the Los Angeles Lakers for an excused absence due to personal reasons, fatigue, and a nagging foot injury, the team announced on Thursday. Coach J.J. Redick clarified that James’ status for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves remains uncertain as the team manages his minutes during a challenging stretch in his historic 22nd NBA season.
At nearly 40 years old, James is grappling with the demands of elite competition. Redick admitted that James has felt “gassed” and has occasionally requested breaks during games, signaling the wear and tear of the season.
“We have to be mindful of the cumulative effect of playing so many minutes,” said Redick. “Sunday’s rest was an opportunity to give him time to recover.”
This recalibration comes during a shooting slump for James. After hitting three-pointers at a career-high 43% through his first 15 games, he managed just four makes out of 34 attempts over his next seven games, including a streak of 20 consecutive misses. However, he rebounded with a 6-for-11 performance from beyond the arc in his last outing, scoring 29 points. Despite these struggles, James continues to excel as a passer and rebounder, averaging 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game.
Team Dynamics and Struggles
The Lakers, once off to a promising 10-4 start, have faltered recently with a 3-7 skid. Offensive inconsistencies and lapses in defensive intensity have plagued the team. Redick remains optimistic, citing ongoing conversations with James and Anthony Davis about maintaining mental toughness.
The Lakers are also addressing injuries beyond LeBron’s absence. Davis has battled left plantar fasciitis but continues to perform at a high level, while guard Austin Reaves is working to return from a pelvic bruise that has sidelined him for five games.
Off-Court Controversy
James’ personal absence coincides with a tangential controversy. UFC fighter Colby Covington publicly criticized James, referencing allegations about the basketball star’s supposed connections to Sean “Diddy” Combs and his infamous parties. While James has faced similar accusations in the past, no verified evidence has linked him to these events.
For now, the Lakers focus on regrouping with or without their cornerstone player, aiming to regain their early-season momentum. As James prepares to celebrate his 40th birthday, his resilience and adaptability will likely be tested in the weeks ahead.
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