Saturday, December 21, 2024

LeBron James recalls first person to ever receive his autograph


LeBron James has had a career that no one had before him and no one will ever have after him. The Los Angeles Lakers star has done everything one can possibly do, including playing in a game with his own son. James has played 22 seasons in the NBA. With that comes a time for reflection on the biggest moments of his career.

Recently, James was asked if he remembered the first person to ever receive his autograph. While James normally has a steel trap memory, he could not recall the first person to receive his signature, but he had a pretty good guess on who it might be.

James believes that if anyone has his first autograph, it would be his mom. The 'Chosen One' stated that he has been signing autographs since he's probably been in the eighth grade. So, it would make sense that momma James may have been the first to receive the honor.

RELATED: "There's a lot of f***ing...": LeBron James ignores new NBA All-Star format, highlights 'bigger' issue

Who better than your own mother to be the owner of your first autograph? I'm sure my own mother would be incredibly proud to own the signature of her son, who hasn't even put on a pair of pants today to do his job. Relax, I'm wearing shorts, people.

MORE TOP STORIES from The Big LeadCFB: The Playoffs start tonight–get readyCFB/NFL: Saturday is for footballNFL: Chiefs taking risk by playing MahomesCBB/WNBA: Good luck getting in to Caitlin's jersey retirement

Jimmy Butler leaves game vs. OKC after feeling ill


By | December 20, 2024

What's the buzz on Twitter? Anthony Chiang @Anthony_ChiangJimmy Butler (stomach illness) not traveling with the Heat tonight to Orlando.But it's possible that Butler makes the quick trip to Orlando tomorrow for the Heat's game vs. Magic – 11:43 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_ChiangWith Jimmy Butler out for the rest of the game and Bam Adebayo back in the locker room, Tyler Herro up to 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.Heat on a 10-0 run to turn a nine-point deficit into a one-point lead. – 9:29 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_ChiangHeat again going with the starting lineup of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Haywood Highsmith and Bam Adebayo tonight vs. Thunder. – 7:31 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguetBradley Beal on the Jimmy Butler trade rumors: "The same thing until one of them comes and says something to me and talks to me. It's just out there. I'm a Phoenix Sun and I'm here and I'm in a uniform, but I don't pay attention to that, man. They did that with me for 10 years" pic.x.com/trkBiu6alt3:39 PM More on this storyline Is there even a world where LeBron James gets traded? I can see Jimmy Butler getting traded, but is there any scenario where LeBron James is traded anywhere in the NBA? CARMELO ANTHONY: LeBron makes the trades. If he wants to get traded, he'll make it happen. I think that window has closed. Maybe there was a point in time, like last year or earlier, where it seemed like it could have been a possibility. People might have thought, "Could this actually happen? Are we interested? Could we pull this off?" But now? It's hard to imagine. The Kuminga part of that trade is a big headline because he's a major piece. -via YouTube / December 20, 2024 Some of it is happening already, glimpses coming from his pace and patience when teams run him off the arc. Some of it will only come to pass as more teams show how they will adjust their scouting reports for Herro's new game. The real test will be postseason games, the adjustments to the adjustments, the counters to the counters. Can Herro be the HEAT player who consistently draws two to the ball, who becomes the engine, not just a major component, of a high-powered, elite offense? "The next step, which he's already improving, is the playmaking aspect," Quinn says. "Whatever the defense does is wrong basically. If you're going to put more guys on me, I'm going to get an assist or make the right play for the team, then I'm going to have my spurts where I have 15 or 20 in a quarter. That's the next step where he can balance that ability to score and playmake for the team. To make the right play over and over and over again is what makes the great players great." Gr eatness is assuredly well within the scope of Herro's endless ambitions. He says he wants to be an All-Star – he'll have his best chance to date playing like this – and he wants to win. Time will tell the story of whether he reaches greatness, true greatness that is remembered long after your final game, and Herro has never been as close to touching it. "He knows he's that guy," says Jimmy Butler. -via NBA.com / December 19, 2024

Friday, December 20, 2024

Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Potential LeBron James Trade


The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads. The team isn't good enough to compete for a championship anymore, but they're also not bad enough to fully tank a season. With both LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster, the Lakers are far too talented to be in the position they're in.

With their record in mind, the trade rumors have started overflowing about the team, including LeBron James.

During an episode of the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Denver Nuggets legend Carmelo Anthony gave his thoughts on LeBron potentially leaving the Lakers in a trade. In Carmelo's eyes, LeBron makes all the trades himself.

"LeBron makes the trades, so, if he wanna get traded, he'll get traded," Anthony said. "I think that window closed shut. Like it was a point in time, like maybe last year, or you know a little bit time ago where it was like, there was a thought like, 'Damn this could be a possibility.' Kuminga part of that trade now, is a big headline. Right? Because he's a major piece."

Currently, the Lakers have a record of 14-12, which doesn't sound great, but is also only one game out of being the fifth seed in the Western Conference. The team just defeated the second seeded Memphis Grizzlies, so they've shown that they can compete. For these reasons alone, blowing up the team would be unwarranted. It's more or less a matter of if they keep slipping, then LeBron would force a trade.

Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History in Nuggets-Mavericks

Nikola Jokic Makes Strong Russell Westbrook Statement

Latest Update on Denver Nuggets Potentially Signing Ex-Lakers Player

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

‘Makes Me Feel Butterflies Inside’: LeBron James’ Wife Savannah Reveals She Has Another Soulmate Besides Her Husband


Savannah James has a confession … that LeBron James is not her only soulmate.

The 38-year-old was recently speaking on the subject of soulmates with her friend and co-host April McDaniel on the Dec. 17 episode of their podcast "Everybody's Crazy." The two were chatting away with their two guests, psychotherapist Vanessa Bennett and psychologist Dene Logan — who are also both authors.

Savannah opened up about having friends like McDaniel as her soulmate. She said, "It feels… I mean, I have to say it makes me feel butterflies inside. Just because, like she was saying, I didn't think that you could have a soulmate as a friend. I thought that was always someone romantic or, you know, whatever, but um, it makes me feel good. It makes me feel seen."

Savannah James reveals she has another

Savannah James reveals she has another

Savannah James reveals she has another "soulmate" besides LeBron. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

"I think a part of being seen, I think, is what you were saying, like a trauma response from when you were younger and why I go in and the way that I react to things," she continued. "I think it speaks directly to that. I feel like I can be my whole entire self even though I might be a little bit less available. But to have someone understand that part of me and say that I know that's how she is and it's OK and give me a minute instead of trying to make me someone that I'm not, like it feels really amazing. Like it feels good." 

Savannah's professed feelings for her good friend come six days after fans were warning her to keep an eye on McDaniel. During a recording of a recent episode, Savannah's husband, LeBron, surprised his wife by calling in. However, when he began talking, fans felt McDaniel was seemingly smiling a little too hard and squealing a bit too loud in excitement. 

Savannah and McDaniel have been friends for 15 years. In addition to having their podcast, they've also launched a collective called "Let It Break." It's a membership for women to tackle their personal growth and development. This episode wraps their third season doing the podcast as they continue to reel in tens of thousands of views. 

As for their friendship, McDaniel feels the same level of closeness to Savannah. In the same episode, she said, "Also, for me, what's really interesting is having a soulmate as a friend. So, I didn't really get that until now. I've always had friendships, but like a soulmate, it just makes me so happy. Like I love it."

McDaniel revealed that she has two people that she considers to be her "soulmate friends," one of them being Savannah. 

Fans reacted to their discussion on their podcast's Instagram page. 

One person said, "i loveee that april said her and savannah are platonic soulmates 🫶🏽 i wish all women could find the joy in sisterhood."

"I realized that was what I was missing in past relationships. Someone that loves me for who I am and not who they want me to be. Keep up the blessed work, ladies. Healing loading…..," wrote a second. 

On their YouTube page, a third wrote, "So true there r not too many real good friends out there, but I love the dynamic DUO @April n @Savannah."

Lakers' LeBron James Hypes Justin Jefferson's 'Chalk Toss' MNF TD Celebration Video


Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Justin Jefferson's latest celebration earned a stamp of approval from LeBron James.

The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver did his traditional griddy dance with a twist during Monday's win over the Chicago Bears. He also mixed in a "chalk toss" as he danced, imitating how the Los Angeles Lakers star takes the court at the start of games.

This is not the first time the King has shouted out Jefferson:

The three-time Pro Bowler and 2022 Offensive Player of the Year has plenty to dance about this season. His Vikings improved to 12-2 with the 30-12 victory and moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North with the Detroit Lions.

Detroit and Minnesota are also tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the best record in the NFC, which is critical given the first-round bye and home-field advantage that comes with the No. 1 seed in the conference.

Jefferson finished Monday's game with seven catches for 73 yards and one touchdown. He has 82 catches for 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns on the campaign, extending his streak of consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 yards to start his career to five.

In addition to the chalk-toss griddy, Jefferson also honored Randy Moss after reaching the end zone:

Moss revealed on his Instagram page Friday that he has been diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery. His former teammates, Jake Reed and Cris Carter, also brought his No. 84 Vikings jersey out for the coin toss.

Next up for Jefferson and the Vikings is a showdown with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

LeBron James Ends His Social Media Detox As The Lakers Superstar Celebrates A Young Graduate’s Achievement


LeBron James made his return on social mediaLeBron James (Image Credit: Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling lately, losing eight of their last 12 games. In the middle of this tough stretch, LeBron James stirred controversy by sitting out for two games. However, the Lakers star returned on Sunday and helped his team secure a 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

LeBron's return wasn't just limited to the court. After the win, he also ended his self-imposed social media break. Last month, LeBron surprised fans by announcing he was stepping away from social media. His sudden decision left many wondering when he would return.

On Monday, LeBron reappeared online with a positive message. He shared a post from the LeBron James Family Foundation, congratulating a student named Arianna on graduating from Kent State University. "Congrats Arianna!!! Continue inspiring others!!" LeBron wrote on his X handle.

Congrats Arianna!!! Continue inspiring others!! :clap::skin-tone-5::clap::skin-tone-5::clap::skin-tone-5::crown::heart: https://t.co/EVO9FKhPVH

— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 16, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar took a break from social media on November 20, as he announced on X. After taking an eight-day break from the NBA, LeBron returned against the Grizzlies and also reappeared on social media after 26 days.

LeBron James missed his previous two games because of soreness in his left foot. Ahead of the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick explained the team's strategy for managing James' workload to keep him healthy throughout the season.

"We've communicated with LeBron, with Mike (Mancias), Leroy (Sims), Rob (Pelinka). It's not like these conversations haven't been happening already.  LeBron and I spoke Sunday right after our meeting and walkthrough at the arena, and again, he was already going to take an excused absence," Redick said.

LeBron JamesLeBron James (Image Credit: Getty Images)

In his return, LeBron delivered a solid performance, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. He is averaging 22.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game this season.

LeBron's presence on the court helped the Lakers improve to a 14-12 record. The Lakers will now prepare for their next challenge against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

Also Read: Lakers' Anthony Davis Drops A Truth Bomb On The "Stuff" LeBron James Is Dealing With

Monday, December 16, 2024

After LeBron James Was Called Out By UFC Fighter For Past 'Diddy Party' Comment, A Former Cavs Player Weighed In On The Stars' Alleged Link


Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' arrest and the subsequent stream of lawsuits and federal charges he's facing remain much discussed. As his legal woes play out, a number of celebrities have opted not to discuss Diddy. However, some A-listers are still being linked to him by the general public. LeBron James is now the latest, as a UFC fighter recently called him out for a past "Diddy party" comment he made. Now, a former Cleveland Cavaliers player is weighing in on the supposed link between Combs and James as well.

Four years ago, LeBron James participated in a livestream that involved P. Diddy. The recently resurfaced video, which was captured by DailyMail.com, saw the four-time NBA MVP hyping up the "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" artist. A portion of the stream showed James specifically saying, "Hey, everybody know ain't no party like a Diddy party." Since this clip has been making the rounds again, fans across social media have seemingly been pondering James and Combs' past interactions.

Just recently 36-year-old Colby Covington came to blows with Joaquin Buckley in the ring, and the latter came out on top. Ahead of that though, Covington participated in a press conference, which was shared to X by Championship Rounds. During the chat, the fighter shared some brutally honest thoughts about the NBA player long known as "King James." The veteran mixed martial artist didn't hold back while weighing in on James' Diddy comment:

I'm gonna start this off, you know, since I'm the man of the hour, man of the show. I want to ask LeBron what does he mean by, 'There's no party like a Diddy party.' I truly want to know. And not only that, LeBron, how many Diddy parties have you actually been to? I'm really curious to know. And is that the reason you left social media because all the backlash you were getting for going to so many Diddy parties? It's pathetic, man. People think this guy's a role model. He wants to defund the police, the most patriotic people in America, serving and protecting our country. LeBron, you're a fucking scumbag, and I hope you get locked up in the same cell with Diddy.

Colby Covington's mention of the 39-year-old NBA icon leaving social media is seemingly a reference to a post shared by the Los Angeles Laker in November. At that time, the 20-time All-Star said he was "getting off social media for the time being" and told his fans to "take care." The Shooting Stars producer has since returned to X and other social platforms, though his recent posts have steered clear of any mention of Sean Combs. Meanwhile, one fellow Cavs alum shared some thoughts.

NBA journeyman Brandon Goodwin took to X to share brief comments amid the discussion surrounding Sean Combs and LeBron James. Goodwin initially posted a brief message that read, "Lebron? Diddy?" Under that post, a fan opined that any connection between the two stars would make for "one of the craziest sports stories of all time," with Goodwin responding, "the craziest."

P. Diddy was arrested months after his homes were raided by the feds in connection to an investigation involving sex trafficking. At the time, 1,000 bottles of lubricant were recovered alongside documents and electronic devices. Diddy has been charged with alleged sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, racketeering, arson and more. His aforementioned parties – some of which a re known as "freak offs" – have also been widely discussed. At the events, women were reportedly weighed and then hired or coerced into performing sex acts that were recorded.

At this time, Sean Combs' sex-trafficking trial is set to begin on May 5, 2025. LeBron James, meanwhile, is continuing to play through the NBA season after missing two games due to reported personal reasons. Whether he'll choose to respond to comments from Colby Covington and more remains to be seen.

Analysis: Only LeBron James knows what’s happening, and what’s in his future


By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

LAS VEGAS — LeBron James was starring in Las Vegas at this time last year, the headline attraction while he and the Lakers were about to win the inaugural version of the event now known as the NBA Cup.

It seems very different now.

"Personal reasons … he's taking some time" is what first-year Lakers coach JJ Redick said this week when detailing why James was missing from practice. "Left foot soreness" is the reason why the Lakers ruled him out of Friday's game in Minnesota. There's been trade speculation in recent days, and it's reasonable to think that a team like the Golden State Warriors would clamor for James if he was available. And he's turning 40 in about two weeks.

Whenever James is out, it's a story. Taking time off for personal reasons, it's a story. It could mean he's hurt. It could mean he's fed up with how the Lakers have struggled in recent weeks. It could mean he just needs a break after a short summer spent winning another Olympic gold medal. It could mean anything. All that is certain is he's has sat out two games in a row with no clear return yet.

"All of this is very fluid," Redick said when asked about James' absence. "All of it is. All of it is. That's what's crystallized."

James' no-trade clause is the ultimate card in the deck right now. If James wants to be traded, he'll probably get traded. If he doesn't, then he'll remain a Laker and continue on a roster that also features his son Bronny. The Lakers play just one more game between now and next Thursday (at Sacramento). This has been a logical window for a break if his left foot is a problem and the wear-and-tear of 22 seasons is requiring him to take some time off.

In short, nobody knows anything. Except LeBron, of course.

He's the oldest player in the league, has set just about every record that he's going to set, has more money than he could ever spend. There isn't anything left to prove. He is under contract for next season, but the finish line – whether it's after this season or not – is fast approaching.

"I'm not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don't know how many years that is, if it's one year, two years, whatever the case may be," James said last month. "I'm not playing 'til the wheels fall off. I'm not going to be that guy. I'm not going to be the guy who's disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor. That won't be me."

The numbers show the wheels haven't fallen off. His scoring is down (23 points per game, his lowest average since his rookie season) and he is turning it over too often, but his rebound and assist numbers are up from last season. The only other player this season averaging 23 points, eight rebounds and nine assists per game is Denver's Nikola Jokic, who probably is the MVP frontrunner yet again. The wheels are fine.

It should be noted that this time of year is the start of the NBA's silly season. There are 85 players eligible to be traded starting Sunday. Trades are the behind-the-curtain talk of the league right now with some big names out there, including tons of speculation about Jimmy Butler's future in Miami.

"Narratives," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Thursday. "That's going to happen, you know, in every organization at some point during the season."

This might be that point for the Lakers. After Friday's 97-87 loss in Minnesota, they have dropped eight of their past 11 games, four of those defeats by at least 25 points. James has seemed frustrated, though after big losses it's only natural that he would feel that way.

His presence is still felt in Las Vegas this week as the league convenes for the finish of the NBA Cup. There's a giant advertisement featuring James near the baggage claim carousels at the airport, promoting his tie to a liquor company. On the court, though, he won't be seen. And it's not clear when he'll be seen again.

Originally Published: December 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM PST

Sunday, December 15, 2024

NBA rumors: Latest on LeBron James, Warriors, 76ers, Bulls and more before trade season kicks off


One of the first key dates of the 2024-25 NBA season will arrive on Sunday, when the vast majority of players who signed free agent contracts during the offseason become eligible to be traded. As is the case every year, Dec. 15 is the unofficial start of trade season.

There is one deal that's expected to go down Sunday: Dennis Schroder is reportedly going to move from the Nets to the Warriors as Golden State replaces De'Anthony Melton. 

Just how many deals we get this season with the introduction of new, more restrictive salary cap rules remains to be seen, but there will be plenty of activity between now and the trade deadline on Feb. 6. As the action ramps up, here's a look around the league at some of the latest rumors. 

LeBron holds all the cards

This has been a roller coaster start for the Lakers, who have a three-game winning streak, a six-game winning streak and two three-game losing streaks. The result is a 13-12 record that, while not terrible, has them stuck down in 10th place in the crowded Western Conference. 

Given James' history and the Lakers' current status, there has, perhaps understandably, been a bit of speculation about his future in Los Angeles. Earlier this week, Brian Windhorst reported on ESPN's "Get Up," that the Golden State Warriors will "definitely monitor" James' status ahead of the trade deadline. The Warriors notably tried to trade for James last season, but were rebuffed. 

For now, though, there has been no push from James, which the Warriors, or any other team, would need to get a deal done. James holds all the cards in this situation. 

"The Lakers or any team who might want to trade for him don't really have any say in the matter," one league executive told ESPN. "He's got a no-trade clause. Unless he goes in and tells [owner] Jeanie [Buss] he wants to leave, it's not even a discussion."

76ers expected to be active

The Sixers' season from hell got even worse on Friday when Joel Embiid suffered a sinus fracture during a loss to the Indiana Pacers. He's already missed 17 games due to knee issues and a suspension for an altercation with a reporter, and is now heading back to the sidelines. 

Due in large part to Embiid's absences, but also injuries to Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference at 7-16. Even so, they are expected to be "active," in the coming months according to ESPN. 

As bad as things have been in Philadelphia, the East is so weak that they could still easily make the Play-In Tournament, and possibly challenge for a top-six seed and automatic playoff berth. None of Embiid, George or Maxey will be on the move, of course, but if Daryl Morey can find a trade that he thinks will improve their depth, it could be worthwhile. 

If -- and that's a big if -- they can get healthy by April, no one is going to be signing up to play them in the first round of the playoffs. 

Lacob has 'affinity' for Kuminga

Prior to the season, the Warriors failed to agree to an extension with former lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga, which leaves his future in Golden State very much in doubt. The team could ultimately re-sign him this summer when he hits restricted free agency, but it would not be a surprise if he's traded ahead of the deadline. 

Earlier this month, coach Steve Kerr inserted Kuminga into the starting lineup for Draymond Green -- a move that could very easily be viewed as an attempt to boost the youngster's value. In Kuminga's last five games as a starter, he's averaging 21 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 36.4% from behind the arc. 

The Warriors were very active in the summer, attempting to pull off trades for both Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, and are already snooping around the LeBron James situation. It's clear they are willing to make a big trade ahead of the deadline in order to give Steph Curry and Green one more shot at a ring. Such a deal would most likely include Kuminga, who is their best prospect. 

One potential hurdle to such a deal is that Warriors owner Joe Lacob has an "affinity" for Kuminga, according to ESPN. At the very least, that adds an interesting wrinkle to any Kuminga trade talks. 

LaVine and Vucevic still not drawing any interest

The Chicago Bulls have been trying to trade Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic since last season, but no team has been willing to bite. Even with both former All-Stars enjoying terrific seasons, that hasn't changed, per ESPN

LaVine is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 50.1% shooting overall, including 42.8% from behind the arc. Vucevic, meanwhile, is at 21 points and 9.8 rebounds on 58.7% shooting, including a career-high 47.4% from downtown. 

Despite the prolific offensive numbers both players are putting up, their contracts are just too cumbersome, especially with the new cap rules. LaVine is making $43 million this season and has $94.9 million remaining on his contract after that, which includes a player option for 2026-27. As for Vucevic, he's at $20 million this season and $21.4 million next season. 

Other teams are just not interested in committing that much money to either player at this point. 

Pelicans expected to try and dodge the luxury tax

Former Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels said in a recent interview that the franchise is "cursed," and it's hard to disagree with that sentiment, especially after all of their injury troubles this season. They haven't had a single player appear in all 26 games, and Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins have all missed significant time. 

As a result, the Pelicans are stuck in last place in the Western Conference at 5-21. This is already a lost season for the Pelicans, and other teams are circling like piranhas. Will the Pels make any blockbuster trades? We'll have to wait and see. 

At the very least, though, the Pelicans are expected to get under the luxury tax, per ESPN. They are $1.4 million over at the moment, and there's no need for them to pay any sort of tax penalties for a team that's not going to make the playoffs. 

Saturday, December 14, 2024

LeBron James to Miss Second Consecutive Game After Being Excused for ‘Personal Reasons’


LeBron James Misses Second Straight Game After Personal Reasons Absence

Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways

LeBron James will miss his second consecutive game after being excused from the team earlier in the week for "personal reasons."

The Los Angeles Lakers star, 39, missed the team's Sunday, December 8 game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a left foot injury — the first game James had skipped this season.

At the team's practice on Wednesday, December 11, Lakers head coach JJ Redick explained James' noticeable absence. 

"LeBron is not with the team right now," Redick, 40, told reporters. "He's out for personal reasons, excused absence."

Celebrity Kids Following In Their Parents' Athletic Footsteps: Serena Williams' Daughter and More

Redick said James was "taking some time" away from the team as the four-time MVP attempts to get his body right for the rest of his 22nd NBA season. 

On Thursday, December 12, the Lakers announced James would not play in the team's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, December 13. The power forward is officially listed out with "left foot soreness."

Sources told ESPN that James did not accompany the Lakers on their flight to Minnesota. 

The Lakers are scheduled to return to the court on Sunday, December 15, at home against the Memphis Grizzlies. James' status for that game has not yet been announced. 

First-year Lakers coach Redick told reporters on Wednesday that James has been admittedly fatigued lately. He last played in the Lakers' overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, December 6. 

"In game, he's asked for a sub a couple times because he's gassed," Redick said. "For us, we have to be cognizant as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes, and Sunday, being banged up with the foot thing, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest."

Things have not been going smoothly for LeBron or the Lakers over the last month. Heading into Friday's game against the Timberwolves, the team has lost seven of its last 10 games. 

Dodgers' Freddie Freeman Calls Out LeBron James for Spelling His Name Wrong in World Series Shoutout

James, who will turn 40 on December 30, is averaging 23 points, 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds on the season. 

Following the Lakers loss to the Hawks, James vented about how injuries to the team's depth players were making things difficult. 

"Mismatching with lineups, we're trying to figure out ways, obviously," he said. "So it's very challenging. We don't have much room for error. ... It's big, big, big, big pieces."

James added, "I don't know as far as what will get us over the hump. We just got to just not drown. Don't drown and we'll be alright."