Why Isn’t LeBron James Playing vs Suns? Lakers Star to Miss Phoenix Game After Traveling 500 Miles

A rough start for the Lakers! In their first four preseason games, they have only picked up one win. And with the regular season less than a week away, they would be hoping to close things out strong by adding more victories to their column. Well, they will get a chance to do so tonight as they face the Suns on their home turf. But it’s going to be easier said than done because their superstar LeBron James will not be available despite taking a trip to The Valley.

As per the latest report, LBJ will not play in tonight’s rematch against Kevin Durant and Co. Well, he was not part of the team’s injury report and JJ Redick only said “We are gonna sit LeBron” without specifying any reason, so it is unlikely that he is missing the game due to any health concerns. Instead, JJ might have decided to rest his superstar because Bron has suited up in the previous three games.

Surprisingly, James travelled to Phoenix with the team and even posted a video last night of a deadly encounter with an Arizona Bark Scorpion in his room. “Scorpion tried to really get me when I got out the (broom)! Luckily, I was walking with my head down and saw him creeping! Welcome to Arizona.” He wrote. However, he did not participate in shootaround ahead of tonight’s game, hinting that he might not be playing the away encounter. Moreover, he is currently listed as Day-to-Day. So, it comes as no surprise that James is not playing tonight. But he is not the only Lakers star missing the game.

Lakers set to miss Star Forward amid Austin Reaves and others’ Minutes Restriction

While LeBron is likely just resting tonight, Redick revealed another star who will not be available, “Rui (Hachimura) is dealing with a little bit of calf tightness from the other night.” Yes, Hachimura, who has not missed any preseason game so far, will remain out for the Suns game. However, the head coach clarified that it is just a precautionary measure, “It’s not a big concern, but just out of precaution he will sit tonight as well.” Although the Lakers have lost three games, Rui has been really impressive so far. With three double-digit games, he has scored a combined 51 points. And he has rebounded the ball extremely well averaging seven per game.

With LBJ and Rui out, JJ revealed that Max Christie and Cam Reddish will be bumped to the starting lineup as their replacement. Meanwhile, there will be a few stars who will play but for a limited time, “I think we have three guys with minutes restriction. Austin, Gabe, and Max, and that’s just all out of precaution.” So, don’t be surprised if you see JJ empty his bench early in the game with so many stars either on restriction or out for the night. What are your thoughts?

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