For the second consecutive recreation on Friday, the Lakers have been with out LeBron James, which isn’t odd as he has actually rested and missed time as a consequence of harm in latest seasons.
However, in these moments, LeBron nonetheless sat on the sidelines, cheering his group on. Friday, although, was an exception. After lacking observe on Wednesday as a consequence of “private causes,” LeBron wasn’t with the group on Friday.
Prior to the sport, head coach JJ Redick was requested if he knew when LeBron would return to the group, to which he replied he didn’t.
JJ Redick responded “no” when requested whether or not he is aware of when LeBron James will rejoin the group.
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) December 13, 2024
This all feels bizarre.
The most certainly and apparent reasoning for all that is that, with an odd break within the schedule, the Lakers opted to let LeBron get an prolonged relaxation that he wouldn’t in any other case be afforded. Whether meaning returning for Sunday’s house recreation towards the Grizzlies or giving him almost two full weeks off earlier than enjoying on the Kings subsequent Thursday, it might be a prolonged time to relaxation and recuperate that isn’t usually out there.
However, this additionally comes at a time when commerce hypothesis has come up. If it was mainly fully created by ESPN with none actual reporting, the very fact LeBron hasn’t been round simply additional provides gas to the fireplace.
It additionally comes shortly after LeBron seemed actually gassed on the Lakers street journey, made some psychological errors within the loss in Atlanta and spoke lately about retirement in a postgame presser. Again, this might all be a coincidence with nothing to it, however with out LeBron round, it results in baseless hypothesis.
And if there was a easy reply to this, why wouldn’t the Lakers talk it? Perhaps they’re skirting the NBA’s new guidelines about load administration and relaxation. The league hasn’t been shy in handing out hefty fines. If the Lakers want to keep away from a high quality for letting LeBron relaxation for every week or extra, citing “private causes” whereas being tight-lipped about it might be the best way to do it.
For now, it’s an odd state of affairs that most likely has a logical reply to it. But the additional it drags on, the more unusual it turns into.
You can comply with Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
