BOSTON — One night after assisting the game-winning basket against the Toronto Raptors, superstar forward LeBron James will miss the Lakers’ rivalry game against the Boston Celtics, the team announced Friday.
James was downgraded to out less than three hours before the game as he manages right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis. The Lakers (16-5) are also without Luka Doncic for the second consecutive game as he is out for personal reasons and guard Marcus Smart (left lumbar muscle strain).
The 40-year-old James has only played in six games this season after missing the first part of the season with right sciatica. He missed one game with the left foot injury, which is a lingering problem from last year. He has yet to play in a back-to-back for the Lakers, but coach JJ Redick said that the goal is to build James’ fitness to the point where he can play in consecutive games this season.
James’ streak of 1,297 consecutive games with 10 or more points ended Thursday against the Raptors, but the Lakers still won as he dished an assist to Rui Hachimura for the buzzer-beating three-pointer.
James had eight points and 11 assists in the win while Austin Reaves powered the offense with 44 points and 10 assists. The guard is averaging 41 points in four games without Doncic this season.
The Lakers are in the midst of a three-game, four-day Eastern Conference road trip. After Friday’s game in Boston, the Lakers finish the swing on Monday in Philadelphia.
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