Lakers Sit LeBron as Caution Guides Opener vs Pelicans
So here’s what’s going on with the Lakers right now. As the team geared up for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, it was confirmed that LeBron James would not be suiting up. The decision was made as part of his left foot injury management, something the team has had to keep an eye on for quite a while. And honestly, given the timing, it makes perfect sense.
LeBron is 40 now, and even though he continues to play at an unreal level, he’s coming off a stretch where he missed the first 14 games of the season because of sciatica — that nerve issue that can send pain down the lower back and through the leg. It’s an injury he’s dealt with before, and the Lakers were clear: there’s no interest in pushing him too hard, too soon. Coach JJ Redick explained before the game that these past 10 days have basically served as LeBron’s “training camp,” so taking the cautious route on the first leg of a back-to-back felt like the smart move.
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And speaking of that back-to-back, the Lakers face the Phoenix Suns on Monday, a much tougher matchup than the Pelicans, who came in struggling with a 3-17 record. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if the team simply preferred to save LeBron’s legs for a game where his presence could swing the result. Even Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, LeBron’s longtime agent, had mentioned that he’d rather LeBron avoid back-to-back games whenever possible for the sake of long-term preservation.
But Redick didn’t completely shut the door on LeBron eventually participating in back-to-backs again. The Lakers still have 10 of them left on the schedule, and the plan is to slowly build him up to handle those situations if his body allows it. For now, though, everything will be taken on a case-by-case basis.
Through the four games LeBron has played since returning, he’s averaging 16.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 5 rebounds — and the Lakers are a perfect 4-0 with him on the floor. Even with the production dip, he hasn’t needed to dominate because Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have been carrying a big chunk of the offensive load. The team sits near the top of the Western Conference, and the balance has been working in their favor.
It wasn’t just LeBron missing from Sunday’s lineup either. Guard Marcus Smart remained out with back spasms, which opened the door for Gabe Vincent to slide back into the starting group. And while the Lakers might have seemed a bit shorthanded, the matchup still leaned heavily in their favor. When these two teams met earlier in November, L.A. walked away with a comfortable double-digit win.
So essentially, this was all about playing the long game. LeBron’s absence wasn’t a sign of trouble — it was a sign of strategy. If the Lakers keep up this pace, and if LeBron continues building toward full form, there could be plenty of basketball ahead where his presence makes the difference when it matters most.
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