BOSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers faced a challenging matchup against the Boston Celtics without two key players: LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic Miss Celtics Game
LeBron James was officially ruled out due to multiple injuries, as confirmed by the Lakers on Friday. The 41-year-old superstar is struggling with sciatica and arthritis in his left foot. These conditions have limited his availability this season, previously sidelining him for the first 14 games.
In his most recent appearance, James played a season-high 36 minutes during a victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided an assist for a game-winning jump shot in that match but scored only eight points. Consequently, he ended his remarkable streak of 1,297 consecutive games with 10 or more points.
Coaching Strategy Moving Forward
Lakers coach JJ Redick is optimistic about James’ future participation. The team intends to gradually prepare James for back-to-back games as the season progresses.
Additional Player Absences
Alongside James, Luka Doncic was also unavailable for the game due to personal reasons. The team was further impacted by the absence of Marcus Smart, who is sidelined with a back injury.
- LeBron James: Out due to sciatica and foot arthritis.
- Luka Doncic: Out for personal reasons.
- Marcus Smart: Missing due to a back injury.
This situation highlights the challenges teams face regarding player health and availability as the season unfolds.
