LeBron James says he could play at 'high level' for another 5-7 years: 'But I'm not going to do that'

LeBron James is nearing the end of his legendary NBA career, but he has never given a definitive timeline on his eventual retirement. He still hasn't, but on his 40th birthday Monday, he did offer several important details that at least give us a ballpark. 

Most notably, the end is absolutely close. 

"If I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level probably for about another -- it's weird that I might say this -- but probably about another five to seven years, if I wanted to," James told reporters. "But I'm not going to do that."

At this stage, James is likely operating on a year-to-year plan. His current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers lasts through the end of the 2025-26 season, but because he has a player option after the season, he is effectively free to choose his circumstances as each offseason arrives. Still, that doesn't mean he plans to leave the Lakers. James said he thinks retiring as a Laker is "the plan" moving forward, but came short of issuing a guarantee.

"I think that's the plan," James said. "I would love for it to end here. That would be the plan. I came here to play the last stage of my career and to finish it off here. But I'm also not silly or too jaded to know the business of the game as well, to know the business of basketball. But I think my relationship with this organization speaks for itself. And hopefully, I don't got to go nowhere before my career is over."

What James did guarantee Monday is that whenever he does decide to hang up his sneakers, it will be for good. 

"I won't walk away and come back," he said. 

The player against whom he has been compared for his entire career, Michael Jordan, retired and returned to the NBA twice. If James finishes this season and then plays one more, he will retire having played 23 seasons in the NBA. That is the uniform number both he and Jordan wore for the majority of their NBA careers.

Of course, there's no reason for James to rush into retirement, especially considering his commitment not to undo such a decision. James is, statistically at least, the best player ever to reach his 40s in the NBA. He may not want to play five-to-seven more years. But short of injuries, it's hard to imagine he doesn't have two or three more years left at a very high level at least. 

The Lakers just acquired Dorian Finney-Smith in their first trade of the year. With another big move or two, they could potentially get James back into the championship conversation and confirm once and for all that he retires in purple and gold.

We don't have that much LeBron left to enjoy, and once he's gone, he's gone for good. Monday was another stark reminder of that. Now that he's reached his 40s, it falls on his team, his fans, and even himself to make the most of whatever time he still has in the NBA.

The Cutest Photos of LeBron James with His Kids Bronny, Bryce and Zhuri

LeBron James is one all-star dad.

The NBA superstar, who turns 40 on Dec. 30, 2024, shares three kids with longtime love Savannah James. The proud parents welcomed their first child, LeBron "Bronny" James Jr. in 2004, followed by little brother Bryce Maximus James in 2007 and Zhuri Nova James in 2014.

Over the years, the family of five has been on the sidelines — and on the court — for many big moments together. Read on to see some of their sweetest moments as a family captured on camera.

01 of 13

Ballin' With Dad LeBron James Jr., Bryce James and Lebron James in 2010.

Getty

Years before Bronny shared a court with his dad as a Los Angeles Laker, he and his little brother Bryce had some fun with LeBron on the court at the NBA All-Star celebrity game.

02 of 13

First Born LeBron James with son Bronny.

LeBron James/Instagram

To celebrate his eldest's birthday, LeBron shared this throwback photo of the now-20-year old as a newborn.

"Love you kid until the wheels fall off and when they do we push the car to our destination side by side!," the proud dad wrote.

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High Fives All Around Lebron James and Bryce James in 2018.

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty

LeBron gave Bryce a high five on the sidelines after a Lakers win in 2018.

04 of 13

Ready for His Close Up Lebron James and Bronny James in 2006.

NBAE via Getty

As dad got interviewed following a 2006 game as a Cleveland Cavalier, little Bronny stole the show.

05 of 13

Mini Me LeBron James and Bronny James in 2007.

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty

Bronny grew up watching his dad play and after the Cavaliers won game six of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2007, the little guy was ready on the sidelines to celebrate.

06 of 13

Daddy's Girl Zhuri Nova James and LeBron James.

LeBron James/Instagram

In 2014, Savannah and LeBron welcomed their third child, Zhuri Nova James. As a tribute to her birthday in 2022, the athlete shared a carousel of adorable snapshots of his "beautiful Princess."

07 of 13

Milestone Moment LeBron James and his family.

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty 

The James family was all smiles in 2023 as LeBron was honored as the NBA All Time Leading Scorer.

08 of 13

Supporting Dad LeBron James, Bronny James, Bryce James, Savannah James and Zhuri James speak onstage during The 2023 ESPY Awards on July 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

And later that year when LeBron took home the award best record-breaking performance at the ESPY Awards, Savannah and the three kids were right there beside him.

09 of 13

History Making Pair Bronny James and LeBron James on the court in October 2024.

Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty

And of course, LeBron and Bronny took part in one of the sweetest storylines in NBA history: Following a major health scare while a member of the USC basketball team, Bronny was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in June 2024 and suited up with his dad for the first time in October.

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Got Your Back LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9.

Harry How/Getty

"This is a historic moment because LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team," former Lakers player and basketball legend Magic Johnson wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

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A Family That Smiles Together...

LeBron James/Instagram

LeBron shared a glimpse into Bronny's 17th birthday celebrations with a sweet photo of the family of five.

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Nothing But Net LeBron James with daughter Zhuri in 2016.

John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated/Getty

With the championship net around his heck, LeBron flashed a happy grin as Zhuri looked on from his lap.

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Premiere Trio LeBron James, Savannah James and Zhuri James.

FilmMagic

Beyond his accomplishments on the court LeBron has also taken his talents to the big screen and starred in 2021's Space Jam: A New Legacy. For the film's premiere, he had his wife and little Zhuri by his side.

LeBron James turns 40. How did other stars perform when they turned 40?

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JJ Redick: ‘Mind-Boggling’ LeBron James Is Still This Good As 40th Birthday Approaches

What LeBron James is doing at this stage of his career is nothing short of phenomenal. In his 22nd NBA season, he remains one of the best players in the league and is still capable of taking over games at any moment, as he showed on Christmas Day with his 31-point, 10-assist performance in the Los Angeles Lakers win over the Golden State Warriors.

With LeBron's 40th birthday approaching, many have taken the time to truly appreciate just how good he has been and for how long. Lakers coach JJ Redick has witnessed it from the beginning and even he can't believe how good James remains.

"I played against LeBron in high school so I knew that he was gonna be great in the NBA," Redick said after a recent practice. "I don't think you could ever predict, no matter how much the prognosticators label people that 16, 17, 18 years old whether or not they're gonna be all-time greats, which he turned out to be. And to be clear, it hasn't gone quickly for me the last 21 years.

"It's kind of mind-boggling just to be in this position coaching him, playing against him for 15 years, taking three years of calling his games and then he's still playing at this level. Feels like he's just been doing this forever and not a small stretch in human history, but forever. And that just speaks to his competitive stamina and love for the game."

Even the absolute best players become more like role players at this age, but LeBron is still putting up All-Star numbers. Like Redick said, playing against him in high school he knew James would be great, but there is no way to predict that he could be 22 seasons in and still be this good.

The Lakers are certainly appreciative of everything James continues to do as he nears 40 years of age and he makes things a lot easier for Redick as a coach as well.

Even for how good LeBron James has been, JJ Redick and the Lakers have been smart in trying to get him some rest throughout the season. With LeBron dealing with a left foot issue he recently sat out two games, which gave him 10 days off. And since he came back, he has looked like a different player.

Redick noted that he has seen an increase in energy from LeBron since returning from that time off, adding that the staff also tries to give the star more short bursts as opposed to long stints on the court which allows him to be more effective.

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Will LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell play vs Kings on Saturday?

The Los Angeles Lakers have won five of their last seven games, and it is a spurt that was punctuated by their thrilling 115-113 win on Christmas Day over the Golden State Warriors. They will look to continue building positive momentum when they host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.

Only about a week ago, the Lakers defeated the Kings in Sacramento twice in a span of 48 hours. They also downed the Kings in their second game of this season, which means they will have the opportunity to sweep the Kings in the season series after the Kings did so to them last season.

Unfortunately for Los Angeles, a few of their key players aren't 100%. Anthony Davis injured his ankle on Wednesday versus the Warriors and is listed as questionable. So are LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, who both missed practice on Friday due to illnesses.

Guard D'Angelo Russell, who didn't play versus Golden State because of an injured left thumb, did practice on Friday and is probable for Saturday.

After L.A. hosts Sacramento on Saturday, it will have two more days off before it plays the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have the NBA's best record, on New Year's Eve.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Will LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell play vs Kings?

VIDEO: Austin Reaves Reveals How He Stole The Spotlight From LeBron James With The Final Play Against The Warriors

Austin Reaves (Image Credit: X/@Lakers)

Austin Reaves emerged as the unexpected hero in the Los Angeles Lakers' 115-113 Christmas Day victory over the Golden State Warriors. What might have looked like absolute cinema was when he stole the spotlight by executing a game-winning layup that the team initially designed for LeBron James.

In a post-game revelation, Reaves admitted that he took a bold risk by opting to drive to the basket himself instead of deferring to his superstar teammate. The stakes were high in a closely contested matchup, and with the clock winding down. Reaves recognized a critical opening that led him to seize the moment and ultimately deliver a memorable win for his team. The young guard shared the value of the win as it came on Christmas.

"Man, I'mma be honest with y'all. That last play was not for me. It was for Bron. But I got the opportunity to go win us a game. That's what ended up happening. That's a big win for the team. Huge win. It's Christmas Day." Reaves said. 

"I remember growing up watching Christmas Day games with my family." @SixtUSA | #LakersWin pic.twitter.com/CIwaed2iPm

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 26, 2024

The Arkansas-born NBA star openly acknowledged the weight of his decision. He ignored the play call for LeBron, which could have backfired and left him pointed out had he failed. Although, he had an impressive performance last night. The star guard scored a triple-double of 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Also Read: REPORT: Dallas Mavericks Get Brutal Calf Injury Update On Luka Doncic

As much as we talk about the final moment of wonder, the whole game remained a matter of personal significance for the Lakers guard. Reaves has always looked up to fill the gap in the team if any of the top-line superstars gets down with an injury. In addition to scoring the match-winning layup and achieving a triple-double, Reaves got his family hooked on the game.

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He stepped up in a big way after Anthony Davis went down with an injury. In the aftermath, Reaves opened up about the powerful emotions he felt. He acknowledged that he usually doesn't get choked up, but Christmas, his family watching from afar, and the moment's thrill nearly brought him to tears. He reflected on how lucky he felt to be in this position. Austin also emphasized how much it means to have his loved ones cheering him on while he lives out his dreams.

"I'm not really an emotional person. But when I was doing radio out there… Got the game ball, and threw it to D-Lo, there was a quick second where I thought I might tear up. That doesn't happen a lot. But it's Christmas. I know my parents are back home watching, my brother is probably in Germany right now… All my people back home are locked in and sitting around watching the game," he said after the game. 

"I thought I might tear up."

Austin Reaves got emotional thinking about his journey and all the love and support from his family on #NBAXmas 💛 pic.twitter.com/tgMNrr6uaU

— NBA (@NBA) December 26, 2024

What makes Austin's performance even more remarkable is how he has transformed into a vital piece of the Lakers' puzzle. Initially, the plan was for LeBron James to take the last shot, but Reaves' instinct to drive to the basket proved to be the right call. With consistent averages of 17.0 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, Reaves has become an indispensable part of the team's future. 

Also Read: 76ers Star Joel Embiid Breaks Silence On His Ankle Injury Scare During Pre-Game Workout

VIDEO: Social Media Believes They Caught Female Reporter Peeping LeBron James’ Manhood During Locker Room Interview

VIDEO: Social Media Believes They Caught Female Reporter Peeping LeBron James' Manhood During Locker Room Interview Home » NBA » VIDEO: Social Media Believes They Caught Female Reporter Peeping LeBron James' Manhood During Locker Room Interview

Savannah James cheers on Nwigwe's love story while LeBron James sidesteps their own vow renewal drama

Rapper Tobe Nwigwe and his wife, Fat, recently celebrated seven years of marriage with a heartfelt vow renewal ceremony.

Among the notable attendees was Savannah James, wife of NBA legend LeBron James, who shares a close bond with Fat.

Savannah James, a longtime friend of the Nwigwe family, made a touching appearance at the event. Known for her private circle, James had previously invited Fat to her exclusive birthday bash in September, showcasing their close-knit friendship.

At the vow renewal, James shared heartfelt words for the couple in a video message.

"Tobe, Fat, it's Savannah," she said.

"I just wanted to leave a message and say that I am so honored to have been to witness a love this, as Tobe would say, 'monumental.'

I appreciate both of you guys' friendship, the way that we have been organically able to come together and just vibe and talk about real stuff like normal people-it's so refreshing.

And I'm just so thankful for the both of you guys. April sends her love. We will see you guys soon hopefully and enjoy this moment."

Tobe Nwigwe responded with gratitude, acknowledging James' support and describing her as "solid as a rock."

Other prominent figures who joined the celebration included UFC fighter Kamaru Usman, social media personality Keith Lee, and numerous well-wishers from the couple's circle.

Savannah James' presence at the Nwigwes' vow renewal is a testament to the strong values and connections the James family holds dear. Known as one of the NBA's most admired power couples, Savannah and LeBron James have been a symbol of enduring love since their high school days. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, friendship, and unwavering support for one another.

LeBron has never shied away from praising his wife for her role in his personal and professional success. However, their relationship is not without its moments of playful banter.

During the release of his 'LeBron 20' sneaker collection, Savannah playfully brought up the idea of renewing their vows, only for the moment to turn lighthearted as LeBron continued to interact with his fans.

LeBron James' big night was not enough as commentator calls him out

The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Detroit Pistons in a thrilling game that came down to the wire. With the Lakers trailing 117-114 and just 3.7 seconds left on the clock, all eyes were on LeBron James.

Coach JJ Redick designed the final play to give LeBron an opportunity to tie the game with a 3-pointer. The 20-time All-Star positioned himself, took the deep shot, but the ball hit the rim and bounced out, sealing the Lakers' loss. As the final buzzer sounded, reactions poured in from fans and analysts alike.

LeBron James shuts down taunting fan

Among the most vocal was sports commentator Skip Bayless, known for his critical take on LeBron's performances. Bayless didn't hold back, quickly tweeting his thoughts on the missed shot: "No surprise, LeBron missed a wide-open 3 to tie at the buzzer - short left. He was great until real clutch was required. BAD SIGN: LAKERS LOSE AT HOME TO THE PISTONS, WHO SWEPT THEM."

Despite Bayless's critical remarks, LeBron's overall performance in the game was nothing short of spectacular. He scored an impressive 45 points, demonstrating his incredible skill and determination throughout the match. However, the missed shot in the final seconds reignited the ongoing debate about LeBron's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

LeBron James, who has faced scrutiny over his clutch performance throughout his career, remained composed after the game. In the post-game press conference, he acknowledged the missed shot but emphasized the importance of focusing on the positives and continuing to improve as a team.

"It's one shot in the grand scheme of things. We played a hard-fought game and we'll learn from this. The season is long, and we have to keep pushing forward," LeBron said.

Bayless's comments added fuel to the fire, drawing reactions from fans and other sports analysts. Some agreed with his criticism, while others defended LeBron, pointing out his numerous clutch moments and the pressure he consistently faces as one of the league's top players.

As the Lakers look ahead, LeBron's ability to bounce back and lead his team will be crucial as they aim to regroup and strive for a successful season. The narrative surrounding LeBron's clutch performance continues to evolve, and his resilience and leadership remain central to the Lakers' pursuit of victory but for this team it means they are falling short once again.

LeBron James passes Derek Fisher, inches closer to Kobe Bryant on Lakers list

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James moved past Derek Fisher into No. 2 on the franchise's all-time 3-pointers made list with a first-quarter triple against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. LeBron now only trails Kobe Bryant on the list, who still has nearly 1,000 more 3-pointers made in a Lakers uniform.

James has now hit 848 triples during his Lakers tenure, with Fisher sitting at 846 and Bryant at 1,827. Unfortunately for LeBron and the Lakers, they needed him to be at 849 in order to have a chance to beat the Pistons.

Los Angeles tried to stage a late comeback from 11 points down in the final minutes and had a chance to tie the game on the final possession. James broke free for a great look from deep, but the shot clanged off the rim and Detroit pulled out a 117-114 win.

The missed game-tying 3-pointer spoiled a terrific all-around performance from LeBron. The soon-to-be 40-year-old recorded his eighth triple double of the season with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists while shooting 10-of-16 from the field and 2-of-4 from 3-point range.

But it wasn't enough. The Lakers shot 54.1% overall and 14-of-30 from 3-point range as a team, but 20 total turnovers led to 28 Pistons points. Los Angeles dropped to 16-13 on the season and snapped a three-game losing streak.

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

LeBron James wasn't known as a 3-point shooter early in his career, but he has developed that shot over the years. Last season, he shot a career-best 41.0% from deep on 5.1 attempts per game. It was only the second time in his career in which he hit the 40% mark on 3-pointers.

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That career-best mark coincided with a lowering of his 3-point volume. He reached a peak of 8.0 3-pointers per game in 2021-22  and then took 6.9 per game in 2022-23, making only 32.1% of those attempts.

James hasn't been as successful on 3-pointers this season, making a respectable 35.3% on 5.7 attempts per game. For his career, he's a 34.8% 3-point shooter and is at 35.7% as a Laker.

It's somewhat ironic that LeBron just accomplished this feat after airing his grievances over the amount of 3-pointers in today's game. He has played into it with his own 3-point volume, but even if he doesn't like it, he knows how important the shot is and will continue to take them.

James obviously won't catch Kobe's Lakers 3-point record, but he should be able to reach the 1,000 mark down the road.

LeBron James Celebrated by Fans for Having 2nd Most Lakers 3-Pointers, Trails Kobe

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Another day and another move up the record books for the King.

LeBron James drilled his 847th career three-pointer in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform during Monday's game against the Detroit Pistons, which moved him into second place on the franchise's all-time list.

Only Kobe Bryant remains ahead of him with 1,827 triples. James broke a tie with Derek Fisher for second.

Social media had plenty of reactions:

James has been with the Lakers since the 2018-19 campaign after previously playing 11 seasons for the Cleveland Cavaliers and four seasons for the Miami Heat. He made 1,251 triples with the Cavaliers and 365 with the Heat.

Here is a look at the top 10 in Lakers history:

Kobe Bryant: 1,827 threes

LeBron James: 847 threes

Derek Fisher: 846 threes

Nick Van Exel: 750 threes

Byron Scott: 595 threes

D'Angelo Russell: 591 threes

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: 522 threes

Kyle Kuzma: 510 threes

Eddie Jones: 489 threes

Rick Fox: 480 threes

James is on the shortest of short lists of the best players in NBA history and moving up the history books on a franchise with as rich of a history as Los Angeles is a testament to his greatness.

While the modern game relies more on the three-pointer than in the past, he still moved into second place on this list within seven seasons.

And he's only going to keep adding to his numbers.

Nike LeBron 22 'Mogul' official images and release

Los Angeles Lakers' star LeBron James is continuing his attack on the record books, recently breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's for most minutes played in the regular season with 57,477 minutes already under his belt. Furthermore, he's been expanding his illustrious signature sneaker line with the newest Nike LeBron 22 and recently partnering with Monopoly for a special edition shoe, we'll see a separate "Mogul" colorway hit the shelves in the coming weeks.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

The Nike LeBron 22 is the latest in the second-longest running signature series in Nike's history, only second to that of the great Michael Jordan. Each year, LeBron James is able to reinvent himself as a player to match the nuances of the league and his signature shoes have followed suit in the same manner.

Following the "Monopoly" release and an upcoming mismatched "Christmas" iteration, the newest "Mogul" colorway will pay tribute to LeBron's entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create generational wealth for him and his family.

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The newest Nike LeBron 22 comes in its typical dual-colorway scheme, utilizing black and white tones to create a clean ensemble. The black uppers are done in sueded and textured material while the white inside panels are done in smooth white leather. Glittered gold piping is seen throughout the entirety of the shoe, giving them a regal feel and tying into the Mogul theme.

We also see LeBron's logo done in gold throughout as the shoes feature speckled gold laces to match. The outsoles of the shoe are also mismatched half-black and half-white to emphasize the duality of the colorway. All in all, this is one of the cleaner Nike LeBron 22 colorways we've seen this year and these should be a staple for the "King" on the court.

The Nike LeBron 22 "Mogul" will release January 1, 2025 for a retail tag of $180. They are expected to drop on Nike SNKRS app and will come in full sizing, so don't hesitate to grab your pair and fulfill those last-minute Christmas wishes.

Gilbert Arenas Gets Brutally Honest About Why LeBron James And Darvin Ham Were Destined To Fail As A Team

Darvin Ham and LeBron J ames (Image Credit: Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers parted ways with Darvin Ham following their first-round playoff elimination by the Denver Nuggets last year. After Ham made history as the Milwaukee Bucks' assistant coach, Ham shared his frustration with LeBron James' team for not giving him enough recognition.

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Ham and LeBron James were destined to fail as a duo. Speaking on his podcast, "Gil's Arena," Arenas attributed the struggles to the unique challenges of coaching a player as intelligent and experienced as LeBron.

"We're just going to be honest; your star player's probably smarter than you, right? And the fact that your star player is smarter than you, that's a hard job to have. Like, you literally have to talk to LeBron's ego. Like, I got to talk to his basketball. For him to accept you, it's like talking to some genius," Arenas said.

LeBron James and Darvin Ham were destined to fail according to Gilbert Arenas.@GilsArenaShow pic.twitter.com/XDaZxazkMb

— Sporting Zealot (@SportingZealot) December 23, 2024

"What makes JJ smarter than Darvin Ham? Sitting there having a conversation with him. So that means something that JJ was saying resonated with, with, with, you know, it's just like art," he added.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured back-to-back wins over the Sacramento Kings, with their latest victory coming on Sunday. Following the game, LeBron James shared that their improved defense was the key factor behind the team's recent success during the NBA regular season.

"We understand that in order for us to compete in every game and win games, we can't rely on offense all the time. We have to buckle down on defense. I don't know when that was, maybe six or seven games ago or whatever, when our defense was not so good," James said.

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James scored 32 points, had seven rebounds, and had six assists in their latest win over the Kings. With the win, the Lakers improved to 16-12 in the season. Their next encounter is the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

Also Read: Is LeBron James Playing Tonight Against The Detroit Pistons? Latest Injury Update On Lakers Superstar

LeBron James Hypes Eagles' Saquon Barkley for 2-TD, 109-Yard 1Q vs. Commanders

Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles fans weren't the only ones amazed by Saquon Barkley's dominant first quarter against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James gave a shoutout to Barkley in a post on X.

By the time the first quarter of Philadelphia's clash with Washington came to an end, the two-time Pro Bowl running back already picked up 109 yards and two touchdowns on a mere seven carries.

He helped head coach Nick Sirianni's team jump out to a 21-7 lead before the start of the second quarter.

Barkley's strong start was crucial for an Eagles team that lost starting quarterback Jalen Hurts due to a concussion. Philadelphia has already clinched a playoff spot, but a win over Washington on Sunday would secure a division title and at least one home postseason game.

The 27-year-old has blown past expectations since signing a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles in March.

Entering Sunday's action, Barkley rushed for 1,688 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 276 yards and two more scores.

He's challenging for the NFL's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, which was reached by Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson in 1984. Even if Barkley can't break the record, he has also an opportunity to become the ninth player to surpass the 2,000-yard threshold in a single year.

James has been impressed with the Eagles' tailback throughout the 2024 season, repeatedly showing his support on social media.

After surpassing 150 yards on the ground in three separate games this season, Barkley appears to be on track towards another strong performance on Sunday.

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.

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Jimmy Butler leaves game vs. OKC after feeling ill

By HoopsHype | 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/trkBiu6alt – 3:39 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

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.

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‘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 "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.

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

LeBron 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.

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LeBron 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.

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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.

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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

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. 

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

LeBron James Misses Second Straight Game After Personal Reasons Absence

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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."

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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. 

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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."