LeBron James may miss his first game of the season tomorrow because of a muscle strain near his rib cage, writes Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. The Lakers star wasn’t able to practice today and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s showdown with the Nuggets.
James suffered the injury Tuesday night in Indiana, but played through it in a loss to the Pacers. He posted a triple-double in Thursday’s loss in Milwaukee, which marked L.A.’s first two-game losing streak of the season. Sources tell Brian Windhorst of ESPN that James has been dealing with a nagging groin issue as well. A torn groin on Christmas Day last season caused him to miss 18 games.
Goon and Windhorst both emphasize that it’s not a case of load management for James, who has been an outspoken critic of that practice.
“I don’t know how many games I got left in my career,” he said last weekend. “I don’t know how many kids that may show up to a game and they’re there to come see me play and if I sit out, then what? That’s my obligation. My obligation is to play, play for my teammates and if I’m healthy, then I’m going to play. If Coach sits me out, then I’m not healthy. And it’s just that simple.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- If LeBron is sidelined, his starting spot may go to Kyle Kuzma, who has missed the past five games with an injured ankle, Goon adds in the same piece. Kuzma, who is listed as probable for tomorrow, went through a full practice today and doctors will see how he responds before determining if he can play.
- There are more injury concerns for the Warriors as standout rookie Eric Paschall is having his right knee evaluated, tweets Nick Friedell of ESPN. Paschall left Friday’s game after Pelicans guard J.J. Redick fell on his knee in the first quarter.
- The injury-depleted Suns are suffering through their worst stretch of the season with five straight losses, notes Gina Mizell of The Athletic. Their injuries include Deandre Ayton, who sprained his ankle right after returning from a 25-game suspension. “We’re a new program, and we’ve dealt with a lot, and I think that’s a sign of good things to come,” coach Monty Williams said. “So I’m good. I really am. I hate losing. I hate the emotional losses. But we’re learning a lot, our guys are getting a ton of experience, and we’ve got 50-plus games left. Perspective is something we all need.”
So Lebron says…..“I don’t know how many games I got left in my career,” he said last weekend. “I don’t know how many kids that may show up to a game and they’re there to come see me play and if I sit out, then what? That’s my obligation. My obligation is to play, play for my teammates and if I’m healthy, then I’m going to play. If Coach sits me out, then I’m not healthy. And it’s just that simple.” Just for the Kids…LOL I call Bull sheet on that mess of lies…. Kareem has 38,387 all time points scored NBA…LBJ has 33,290 with 2 years left on contract & apprx 50 games left this year….About 210 games left…About 6,000 points needed to break Kareem’s scoring record in a Laker uni….6,000 dvided by 210 is about 28.5 points per game……Even if he comes up short he will for sure add a 5th year so to speak and break Kareem’s record in Laker uni!….Play for the Kids!…HorsePooop on that! He is playing to break Kareem’s record ..Admit it Already! Like all of a sudden LBJ realizes he breaks Kareem’s record?…Please don’t insult the obvious! You know what you’re doing LBJ, just admit it instead of the BULL about doing it for the kids…. He mentioned playing with his son and his son is like 13 so there’s 5 years right there….NBA Tom Brady play till 42 is fine just don’t tell me it’s for the Kids!.It’s for Klutch & LBJ….DUH
Breaking news: basketball player wants to play basketball.
This is big news if true.
Woj Bomb
It might be the first game he misses this season, but it certainly won’t be the last. The huge workload he has endured over the last 16 seasons is taking its toll on his aging body.
His body sure is aging from carrying teams to the finals for 8 straight years. Harden and Westbrook can’t carry a backpack once the calender hits May.
LBJ plays when healthy. I am sure scoring title is in his mind but I think he is sincere in his statement. His comment I think is more his feeling on Kawhi sitting out so much. His playing if healthy is great for fans. Why can’t both reasons be legit??
What about adoration? Since his teenage years, James has been idolized, pampered, and praised, elevating him to the rarified level of super-superstar. How could he not become wistful when thinking that much, maybe most of that would come to an end? There may well be psychological reasons that will contribute to his decision to play on and on and on.
Kareem was 42 and and wasn’t the player he use to be when he retired. He had 6 rings and 6MVPs. When he retired he was widely considered the best to ever play. Why did he keep playing so long? I’d imagine it was because he wanted to be the best and loved to play the game. I’m pretty sure that’s the exact reason LeBron still plays.
AD has missed one game, which is pretty good for his track record. Old man LBJ about to possibly miss one game and it’s a headline.
Next time you are too sick to go to work think about LeBron.
I actually, screwed up the math because I did it with out my glasses, senior moment Ooops…….. My mistake … I should have divided 5100 by 210, NOT 6000 ..38,387 Kareem, LBJ 33, 290 the difference is 5,097 divided by 210 games remaining…So it’s 23 points per game needed to get to Kareem’s record not 28.5 …Makes my point even more realistic……..Barring injury, Lebron will leave as NBA All time scoring leader in a Laker uniform…You heard it here first….Paladin the Predictor says…..He could do it the same year as Bronny’s Rookie Year! …Think about it!
Yikes, creepy
You’re blurring the line between approval amd disapproval.
PEDs catching up with Bron.