Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James didn't play in the All-Star Game because of lingering foot and ankle soreness, he announced Sunday.
James has been dealing with the issue throughout the season and said during his media availability ahead of the contest that he's opting to rest his injury instead of suiting up.
"I have to look out for myself with this injury that I've been dealing with for years," James said, according to The Washington Post's Ben Golliver.
James added that he's disappointed he isn't playing in the All-Star Game and hoped he'd feel well enough Sunday morning to suit up.
The 40-year-old was set to appear in his NBA-record 21st consecutive All-Star Game. But with the postseason not far away, James said he's choosing to prioritize his health.
"With 30 games left and us trying to make a push in the wild, wild West, I feel like it is very important for me to kind of take care of myself and understand what's coming on," James said, according to Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation.
James also shared his enthusiasm for the Lakers' title aspirations this season after the club acquired superstar Luka Doncic.
"The excitement of being able to add a caliber of player like that, a generational talent like that to our franchise, it's something that's given me energy," James said, per Dallas Morning News' Mike Curtis. "I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do."
He added: "As we continue getting into form, as he continues to get in form, I think we can be really good going down the stretch, but we'll see what happens."
James said he's hopeful he'll be ready to play Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets.
"I am headed to L.A. tonight," James said, according to Ward. "There will be no vacation for me, so I head back to L.A. tonight. Back to rehab tomorrow and getting ready for practice on Tuesday, and hopefully I can play against Charlotte on Wednesday and hopefully play against Portland on Thursday."
James added he hasn't considered extending his career to continue playing with Doncic.
The four-time MVP is averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists through 48 games in his 22nd NBA season.
