LeBron James leaves Lakers for ‘personal reasons’ amid shooting slump, feeling ‘breathless’
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Thursday that LeBron James is leaving the team for “personal reasons.”
Redick called it an “excused absence” as James’ status for Friday is up in the air — he was already dealing with a foot injury and missed Wednesday’s game, his first of the year.
Turning 40 years old later this month, it seems like Father Time may be creeping closer to becoming the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
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Los Angeles Lakers player No. 23 LeBron James dribbles the ball during a game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 1, 2024. (Jamie Sabau/NBAE via Getty Images)
In fact, Redick admitted that James was “breathless” and the team felt they were mismanaging his minutes in his 22nd season. Redick also said that James has asked to miss a few games to rest.
“For us, as we play more and more games, we have to realize that with the long minutes, the cumulative effect of Sunday, with the foot injury, it’s a good opportunity for him to rest.” ,” Redick said.
James expressed a desire to play all 82 games earlier this season, but he and the Lakers are now dealing with the minor injuries that are inevitable in any season.
Although he has recorded six triple-doubles this season, including four in a row, his 23.0 points per game are his lowest since his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers more than 20 years ago.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gestures to teammates during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski – Image)
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James looks like his old self on the glass, passing by; he’s averaging 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game, both more than he has in his career. However, his three-point shooting percentage has declined.
In 15 games, he shot a career-high 43.0% from three-point range. However, over the next seven games, he hit just 4 of 34 shots and missed 20 straight shots. He did make 6 of 11 shots in the last game and scored 29 points, but this was only the second time in the past 7 games that he exceeded 20 points.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-pointer during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/Canadian Press via AP)
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The Lakers have fallen to 3-7 since a 10-4 start to the season, but Redick remains confident in their ability to address the offensive stability and defensive intensity issues that have plagued them recently. Redick also said he often talks with James and Anthony Davis about the Lakers’ ability to stay mentally strong during bad times.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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