Dave McMenamin, ESPN writer
LOS ANGELES — Lakers star forward LeBron James will return to the lineup on Sunday against Memphis Grizzlies– announced the team.
According to Lakers coach JJ Redick, James missed Los Angeles’ last two games with left foot pain and left the team for personal reasons.
Thanks to the NBA Cup, the Lakers were able to approach the schedule carefully to allow James to recalibrate and recuperate. Los Angeles only plays two games in 10 days, from December 9-18.
Redick said he and James came up with a plan for the 22-year-old veteran to take some time to himself before Los Angeles’ 107-98 victory over Liverpool. Portland Trail Blazers last Sunday – the first game of the season that James missed.
“I just hope he was able to reset his mind and body well,” Redick said of the rest. “I played in 15 [seasons] and he was emotionally, mentally, physically exhausted, fried. I put everything I had into this game. I have nothing left. For guys like him and [Chris Paul]The Tom Bradys of the world, the Roger Federers of the world, it’s hard to understand maintaining this level of sustained excellence for so long because of the toll it takes on all of you, not just your body.”
James last played on December 6, which gave him eight days off between games.
For the season, James is averaging 23 points on 49.5% shooting (35.9% from 3), 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds. Redick said he is in constant contact with both James and his longtime track coach, Mike Mancias, about managing the workload of the four-time MVP, who is approaching his 40th birthday at the end of the month.
James’ return coincides with Redick trying out a new starting lineup for the first time this season Max Christie joining James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves AND Rui Hachimura in the first unit.
