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Dave McMenamin
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Dave McMenamin
ESPN Staff Writer
- Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
- Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is unlikely to play Friday in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources instructed ESPN.
It would give James, who missed Sunday’s recreation with foot soreness, eight days in between video games if he returns Sunday in opposition to Memphis.
Because of the NBA Cup, the Lakers are capable of take a prudent strategy with the schedule to permit James to recalibrate and recharge his physique.
L.A. performs simply two video games in a 10-day stretch Dec. 9-18 — coach JJ Redick gave your entire workforce Monday off and designated Tuesday as an non-compulsory “get what you want” day.
Redick met with most of the Lakers’ gamers individually Tuesday, however James was not current, the coach mentioned Wednesday.
On the season, James is averaging 23 factors on 49.5% taking pictures (35.9% from 3), 9.1 assists and eight.0 rebounds. Redick mentioned he’s in fixed communication with the participant and Mike Mancias, James’ longtime athletic coach, about managing the four-time MVP’s workload as he nears his fortieth birthday on the finish of the month.
“In recreation, he is requested for a sub a pair instances as a result of he is gassed,” Redick mentioned Wednesday. “For us, we have now to be cognizant as we play increasingly more video games, simply the cumulative impact of enjoying lots of minutes, and Sunday, being banged up with the foot factor, it felt like alternative for him to get some relaxation.”
