As the Lakers look to get their season back on track, superstar LeBron James will seemingly be in and out of the lineup.
Entering the year, James set a personal goal to play in all 82 of LA's regular-season games. A recent slump caused James and the Lakers brass to reconsider the goal and an aggravated foot injury resulted in his first absence of the season coming on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Because of the NBA Cup, LA got an extended break before its next game. James returned to the floor on Sunday, Dec. 15 after missing two games and spending time away from the team.
Here is everything to know about his status and why he spent some time away.
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Why is LeBron James not playing?
James missed Friday's game with left foot soreness but returned to action in Sunday's win over the Grizzlies. He finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in 34 minutes in his return.
On Dec. 8, the same left foot ailment caused James to miss his first game of the season. He was excused from the team's practice Wednesday for undisclosed personal reasons and that absence lasted through the week.
James shed light on his absence after Sunday's game in LA.
"A lot of rehabbing, a lot of training still to make sure that I was ready to go tonight," James said of how he spent his time away. "Didn't want to get too much out of shape."
LeBron James on how he spent his eight days away from the team and the mental challenge of his 22nd season: pic.twitter.com/qmY682K1pF
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 16, 2024
"I had an opportunity to take more days and get my mind, body and everything where I wanted it to be for tonight," he added. "And it worked out."
Despite a few off nights, James is averaging 22.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists through 24 games this season. The Lakers, however, have lost eight of their last 12 games after a 10-4 start to the season.
James will turn 40 on Dec. 30.
MORE: How John Stockton stat-padding controversy impacts NBA assists record
Lakers schedule 2024-25
Here are the next five games on the Lakers' schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Dec. 19 | at Kings | 10 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 21 | at Kings | 6 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 23 | vs. Pistons | 10:30 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 25 | at Warriors | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 28 | vs. Kings | 10:30 p.m. | — |
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