Taking an eight-day break to rest his sore left foot is the apparent plan for LeBron James with a return to the Lakers this weekend.
ESPN reported James, who turns 40 on Dec. 30, is unlikely to play Friday against the Timberwolves.
He started 22 games this season before missing his first game of the season on Dec. 8 against Portland because of the foot injury. The Lakers’ next game is Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies in Los Angeles.
James is averaging 23 points, 9.1 assists and eight rebounds but didn’t attend practice on Wednesday, igniting speculation about his health and potential trade candidacy.
“LeBron is not with the team right now,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “He’s out for personal reasons, excused absence.”
Redick said Austin Reaves practiced Wednesday and is expected to be available Friday after missing five games with a pelvic injury.
ESPN also reported Wednesday that the Golden State Warriors are one team “definitely monitoring” James’ potential availability in a trade. James and Stephen Curry led Team USA to a gold medal in the Paris Olympics this summer under Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
In the offseason, James signed a two-year, $101.4 million contract with the Lakers that includes a full no-trade clause.
