The Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has missed Wednesday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. This game was to be the last before the league break for the All-Star Game.
It will be the 36-year-old forward’s first absence this season, as he was present in all 36 Lakers games, where he averaged 25.8 points, 8 rebounds and 7.8 assists to take the team to a 24-12 record, third in the league Western Conference.
King James did not get on the plane that transported the Lakers to Sacramento after the team’s latest loss at Staples Center to the Phoenix Suns 114-104 on Tuesday night, a franchise spokesperson announced.
“I have never asked for time off or time throughout the season. And it’s growing to a point where it’s not even coming from me anymore. It’s just like, ‘OK, LeBron should take time off’ or ‘Why is his workload at this?’ I’ve been hearing it for five, six, seven years now, and I’m still going strong.” James said.
“So I don’t need a handout, I’m not looking for a handout; my job is to go out when I’m available, when I’m healthy to go out and play, and that’s what it’s all about.” James added.
James was announced as likely to play the game as the Lakers announced before the Suns game, despite a sprained left ankle, which he suffered earlier in the season. For this reason, James stayed in Los Angeles for treatment.
However, James will be present this weekend to participate in his seventeenth consecutive All-Star Game in Atlanta.
Thus, he will be captain of one of the teams that will be in the All-Star Game, facing the team that will have Kevin Durant as captain next Sunday, March 7. Next Thursday they will choose the players for their respective teams.
