Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is taking a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons, ESPN reports.
Lakers head coach J.J., Redick informed reporters about James’ status following the team’s practice on Wednesday (Dec.12).
“LeBron is not with the team right now,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said after practice. “He’s out for personal reasons, excused absence.”
Redick added that James is currently “taking some time” but did not disclose the specifics of his absence. Currently, it is unclear if James will play on Friday (Dec. 13) against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Redick noted that he is in communication with both James and his athletic trainer, Mike Mancias, about the four-time champion’s workload. James will turn 40 at the end of December.
“In the game, he’s asked for a sub a couple of times because he’s gassed,” Redick said. “For us, we have to be cognizant as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes. Sunday, being banged up with the foot thing, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest.”
Christian Koloko, a backup center for the Lakers, believes the team needs to step up while James is away.
We just got to do our part and just get better so that when he comes back, he can just look at us and be like, ‘Oh, yeah, [they] were actually working,’ when he wasn’t there. But we know he’ll come back and just pick up everything. He’s been in the NBA for a long time.”
Because they didn’t advance in the NBA Cup, the Lakers have been on an extended break. Redick allowed the team to use time to unwind and recharge.
“Heck, if somebody wants to go spend a couple of nights in Santa Barbara and relax, that’s fine too,” Redick said after the Blazers game. “It’s a quarterway through the season.”
In his 22nd season in the league, James is averaging 23 points on 49.5% shooting (35.9% from 3), 9.1 assists,s and 8.0 rebounds.
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