LeBron James will not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves: Are the Los Angeles Lakers crumbling?

LeBron James, who has been away from the Los Angeles Lakers this week due to "personal reasons," will not play in Friday's game against the Timberwolves in Minnesota. On Thursday, the team listed him as "out" due to discomfort in his left foot, a problem that arose last week after the game against the Miami Heat. James had already been absent in the team's win over Portland last Sunday.

The Lakers' coach, JJ Redick, explained after Wednesday's practice that the team needs to be careful with James' minutes load as the season progresses. "We need to be aware, as we play more games, of the cumulative effect of playing many minutes. And on Sunday, with the foot knock, we felt it was a good opportunity for him to rest," Redick stated.

James had indicated on multiple occasions that playing all 82 games of the season was a "personal goal," although Redick acknowledged that might not be the best for either the Lakers or the player himself. In the 23 games he has played this season, James has averaged 23 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 9.1 assists.

On the other hand, the Lakers are awaiting the return of Austin Reaves, who has been out of action for five games due to a pelvic bruise from a hard fall in the defeat against Oklahoma City. The team will play again on Sunday against Memphis, providing a full week of rest for James. If he were to miss that game against the Grizzlies as well, the Lakers would not play again until the following Thursday, giving James a break of nearly two weeks between games.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, LeBron James no jugará contra Minnesota Timberwolves: ¿Se vienen abajo Los Angeles Lakers?