LeBron James’ unexpected absence from the Los Angeles Lakers has become a major talking point. Though the team officially cited “personal reasons,” speculation is mounting regarding the real cause of his time away from the team.
James missed the Lakers’ 107-98 home victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. In the game, the team originally listed him as questionable due to soreness in his left foot. He also did not play in Friday’s 97-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Prior to these two games, James had played in all 23 of the Lakers’ regular-season contests. He was living up to his preseason declaration that he intended to participate in every game this year. During Friday’s pregame media session, Lakers head coach JJ Redick faced question about if he knew when LeBron would rejoin the Lakers. Redick simply answered, saying, “No.”
JJ Redick was asked if he knows when LeBron will rejoin the Lakers.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 14, 2024
His response: “No.”
(via @khobi_price) pic.twitter.com/cCLGwnGZIM
The brevity of Redick’s reply has left fans searching for answers, and concerns about James’ health and personal circumstances began to dominate discussions online. NBA fans have flooded social media with their reactions, many expressing worry over the cryptic nature of James’ absence. Some fans are pondering whether off-court issues may be at play.
Idk what’s going on💔💔
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) December 14, 2024
What’s going on with Lebron 😳
— Drake 10 (@DrakesPats) December 14, 2024
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Hope everything’s good
— HeatFly 🔥🦅 (@Heatflyy) December 14, 2024
Lebron man what are u not telling us are u leaving or not
— 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗟𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗡 (@LaRespectful_) December 14, 2024
Hope my king is ok 💔
— zaiire 💫 (@_zaiire_) December 14, 2024
Former Assistant Coach Comments On LeBron James’ Struggles This Season
A former assistant coach shared candid thoughts about LeBron James’ performance this season during an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The anonymous coach reflected on James’ 22nd NBA season, noting a rare dip in the superstar’s consistency.
“He had that stretch where he looked probably as human as he’s never looked in his career. It seems like he’s prolonged it more than anybody ever has, but at some point, he’s going to just reach a point where he can’t do it,” the coach said.
Despite entering his seventh season with the Lakers and continuing to defy Father Time, James has shown signs of slowing down. This season, he is averaging 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game.
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