Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is sidelined for Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to an ankle and foot injury that has plagued him since before the All-Star Break in February.
The four-time NBA champion knows full well how important his availability is over the final two-plus weeks of the regular season.
Los Angeles entered Tuesday’s game at 39-32 and as the ninth seed in the Western Conference. It is a mere three games ahead of the Houston Rockets for a postseason spot. The team is also three games behind the Sacramento Kings in the race to avoid a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
As the Lakers were taking on a superior Bucks squad on Tuesday, James broke some news himself. It came during the TNT broadcast of the game.
“I have to be very strategic and smart of how I manage the rest of the season with my ankle/foot in order to get to the finish line. Whatever line that lies ahead,” LeBron James in text to Turner Sports’ Chris Haynes.
At this point, the 39-year-old James likely has to pick his spots moving forward in the regular season. He suited up in Sunday’s win over the Indiana Pacers and is sitting out the first half of a back-to-back on Tuesday. This will likely make James available for Wednesday’s game against a lowly Memphis Grizzlies squad.
Related: LeBron James admits his career is nearing its end
Los Angeles Lakers schedule will dictate LeBron James’ availability
The star NBA player made that clear in his text to the aforementioned Haynes. Los Angeles was already up against it taking on the Bucks in Milwaukee (down 58-42 at halftime). It’s more reasonable to believe that the Lakers can take care of business in the second half of a back-to-back with James in the mix against Memphis.
From there, it’s going to be rather interesting. Of the Lakers’ final nine games after Wednesday’s outing, five come against playoff contenders. It also includes two more back-to-backs.
- LeBron James stats (2023-24): 25.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 8.1 APG, 53% shooting
Thus far on the season, Los Angeles boasts a 5-4 record when James sits out. The team will likely move to 5-5 in said games after Tuesday’s outing against Milwaukee.