Report: Lakers’ LeBron James unlikely to play vs. Timberwolves

As the oldest player in the NBA, LeBron James needs to get his rest when he can.

According to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is unlikely to play in Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It would mark the second straight game James has missed after playing in every game to start the season.

James, who turns 40 on Dec. 30, has been dealing with foot soreness, and skipping Friday’s game would give him eight days in between games if he returns Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

“In game, he’s asked for a sub a couple times because he’s gassed,” Redick told reporters on Wednesday. “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.

James expressed a desire earlier this season to play in all 82 games, but both he and the Lakers are now being practical with the inevitable minor injuries that arise during any season.

The four-time NBA champion hit a slight shooting slump right after American Thanksgiving, but he rebounded during the Lakers’ road trip with two outstanding games. He scored 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting in a blowout loss at Miami, and he followed up with 39 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Atlanta’s come-from-behind win over the Lakers last Friday.

The Lakers are on a 3-7 skid since their 10-4 start to the season, but Redick remains confident in their ability to fix the problems that have bedevilled them recently in offensive consistency and defensive intensity. Redick also said he has spoken frequently with James and Anthony Davis about the Lakers’ ability to stay mentally strong during bad stretches.

“Honestly, both of them have taken ownership,” Redick said. “They’re the leaders of the team on the court. I had a great conversation with LeBron last week about the way he played in Miami and Atlanta, beyond just the stats, but the way he played, the way he led. It was great.”

— With files from the Associated Press