SAN ANTONIO — LeBron James did not play in Wednesday’s 107-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, with the Los Angeles Lakers citing multiple injuries for the 41-year-old superstar. James was ruled out about 90 minutes before tipoff because of left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt started in his place.
James missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica, which affects his lower back and right leg. Since returning, he has yet to play in both games of any back-to-back set for the Lakers. On Tuesday, James played 33 minutes in a 111-103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, recording 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, helping the Lakers secure their third consecutive victory.
After that game, James said his availability for back-to-backs this season will depend on how his body responds. “Every back-to-back, for the rest of the season, is TBD,” James said. “I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank [that answer] right now.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick explained the reasoning behind resting James against the Spurs, emphasizing injury management. “A lot of it is based on his injuries and just the management of those,” Redick said. “His foot typically after a game is sore. We were hoping he could play back-to-backs, but this stretch and this month, it’s tough to say. We hope he’s available, but a lot of it is how he wakes up the next morning.”
In other Lakers injury updates, reserve guard Gabe Vincent returned from a nine-game absence due to a lower back injury. Redick said Vincent’s minutes would be limited to about 18 in his first game back.
