LeBron James will miss his first game of the season when the Los Angeles Lakers play a game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday in their final outing before the NBA All-Star break, the Lakers said.
James did not accompany the team on its flight to Sacramento after the 114-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, according to a team spokesman.
Heading into the Suns game, James qualified as likely with a left ankle sprain, which he suffered earlier in the season. According to the team, he will receive treatment while in Los Angeles.
James, 36, had played in all 36 defending champions ’games this season, averaging 25.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists while leading LA to a 24-12 record, the third best in the Western Conference.
As reported by The Athletic, this weekend will still be presented in Atlanta this weekend to participate in its 17th consecutive All-Star Game
LA could be very short for the second night of the back in Sacramento, as Anthony Davis (right leg) is also ruled out, while Marc Gasol (safety and health protocols), Kyle Kuzma (right heel) and Alex Caruso (neck spasms) were all on the injury report after the Suns game.