LeBron out vs. Knicks, reportedly targeting Wednesday return
LeBron James won't play Tuesday against the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel confirmed, courtesy of Spectrum SportsNet
The Lakers superstar intends to give his sore right ankle another day of rest and is aiming to return Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin.
Los Angeles had already listed James out for Tuesday's contest on its latest injury report, but the four-time Finals MVP reportedly still planned to play against the Knicks.
Vogel said the decision to keep the 36-year-old out was made earlier Tuesday after James met with L.A.'s medical staff.
"I just know that I got to wait to hear from them whether he's going to be in or out, and I heard this mid-morning that he would be out," Vogel told reporters. "But he basically reports how he's feeling after the work yesterday, and they make a decision with the medical team."
James has missed the Lakers' last four contests after a brief two-game return from a high right ankle sprain. The club has gone 2-2 during his most recent absence.
He's averaging 25 points, 7.9 boards, and 7.8 assists over 43 appearances in 2020-21.
The Lakers sit 1.5 games back of the Portland Trail Blazers for the Western Conference's No. 6 seed.