LeBron James will miss his first game of the season when the Los Angeles Lakers play a road game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday in their final outing before the All-Star break in the NBA, the Lakers said.
According to a team spokesman, James did not accompany the team on his flight to Sacramento after a 114-104 home loss to the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night.
On his way to the Suns game, James was listed as likely with a left ankle strain, which he suffered earlier in the season. According to the team, he will receive treatment while in LA.
James (36) has played 36 games for the defending champion 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.
According to The Athletic, he will report to Atlanta this weekend to take part in his 17th All-Star Game.
LA could be very short-sighted for the second night of his rugby player in Sacramento, as Anthony Davis (right leg) was also ruled out, while Marc Gasol (protocol for health and safety), Kyle Kuzma (bruised right heel) and Alex Caruso (neck spasms) were all on the injury report after the Suns game.