Lakers Coach Uncertain on James’s Return Following Loss

LeBron James (left), observed on the bench with his son Bronny during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers, has missed his second consecutive game, and Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has stated he does not know when James will return. James, recognized as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time NBA champion, did not participate in Sunday’s victory against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a sore foot. Additionally, he was absent from practice sessions this week for reasons Redick described as “personal reasons”. When questioned prior to Friday’s 97-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves about the potential return date for the 39-year-old James, Redick’s response was: “No.” The Lakers’ defeat at Target Centre marked their eighth loss in 11 contests, whereas the Timberwolves secured their fifth victory in six games, propelled by 23 points from Anthony Edwards and 21 from Julius Randle. Anthony Davis contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who are scheduled to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday (02:30 GMT, Monday). Joel Embiid sustained a sinus fracture during the Philadelphia 76ers’ 121-107 home loss against the Indiana Pacers. The player, who was named the 2022-23 Most Valuable Player, was participating in only his sixth game of the current season, having previously missed the beginning of the campaign due to a knee injury and having served a suspension for an incident involving a reporter in the locker room. Embiid was inadvertently hit near his cheekbone when Bennedict Mathurin of the Pacers jumped for a rebound during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Embiid received medical attention on the court but did not re-enter the game.