LeBron James Sits Out Lakers vs. Pelicans: Is This More Than Just an Injury?

LeBron James, the powerhouse of the Lakers, won’t be suiting up for their upcoming clash against the New Orleans Pelicans this Sunday, as he’s sidelined with a pesky right foot injury—news that hit the team and fans alike with a mix of concern and grit. The Lakers, holding a strong 14-4 record, are gearing up for a back-to-back home stretch, including a face-off with the Phoenix Suns on Monday, right after their hard-fought win over the Mavericks. Now, James has only stepped on the court a handful of times this season after battling through a rare season-starting absence due to right sciatica—a tough break for a player of his caliber who’s been relentless for over two decades. Meanwhile, the Lakers are hanging tight, leaning heavily on the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have been lighting things up and keeping the team’s momentum humming. With the Pelicans struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference, this game might seem a bit more forgiving, but the real test waits with the Suns and beyond. The absence of both James and guard Marcus Smart due to back spasms leaves questions, yet also opportunities, in this unfolding chapter of Lakers basketball. LEARN MORE

Lakers star LeBron James will miss Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans as he manages a right foot injury, the team announced.

The Lakers (14-4) are playing the first of two games in as many nights at home. They host the Phoenix Suns on Monday, which will be the team’s third game in four days after a win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.

Playing in just his fourth game of the season, James played 34 minutes in the 129-119 win, scoring 13 points with seven assists. He missed the beginning of the season for the first time in his 23-year NBA career because of right sciatica that sidelined him for 14 games.

Despite James’ limited time, the Lakers have still thrived behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Doncic leads the NBA in scoring with 35.1 points per game. The dynamic duo combined for 72 points in Friday’s win, led by 38 points on 12-for-15 shooting from Reaves. The Lakers guard scored 31 points in the team’s first matchup against the Pelicans, a 118-104 win on Nov. 15 in New Orleans.

The Pelicans (3-17) have the worst record in the Western Conference. The Lakers need James for the tougher matchup against the Suns (12-9) on Monday before playing in Toronto on Thursday, the first game of a three-game East Coast road trip.

The Lakers will also be without guard Marcus Smart (back spasms) for the second consecutive game.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.