Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA Basketball In-Season Tournament on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
LOS ANGELES — Lakers forward LeBron James did not play in Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Portland Trail Blazers, he was out injured for the first time this season, but coach Davon Hamm did not consider the injury to be “serious.”
James was initially listed as questionable on the injury report but was ruled out of Sunday’s game due to a left calf contusion he suffered in Friday’s road win over the Phoenix Suns.
He was fouled in the first quarter and limped, clutching his left calf after Kevin Durant’s knee struck his shin during a spin move.
James received some treatment on the bench before returning at the start of the second quarter and playing 36 minutes.
“Just being proactive,” Hamm said before the game about James’ absence from Sunday’s game. “There’s no reason to keep him on the ground so early. But it’s an opportunity for him to get some treatment and not force it.”
Hamm added: “It’s a sensitive area in his lower body. Giving him time to sit down and deal with it and try to get him ready for the next game after this one became a priority.”
The 38-year-old star looked in fine form for the rest of the night, helping his team to a comeback victory.
He made 11 of 17 shots from the field, 3 of 4 from three-point range, and scored 32 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists.
“It never lets up,” James said Friday. “I was driving and Durant’s knee awkwardly hit me right in the calf with my force. It almost locked up there and shot to my foot. So I was trying to stay calm and make sure I It’s okay and try to stay stretched and relaxed, play games and stay productive.
“It does right now. Obviously, because the adrenaline is calming it down and icing it and all that. “It hurts right now, but that’s it. “
With James out, Hachimura started alongside D’Angelo Russell, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Anthony Davis.
This is Austin Reeves’ second straight game in a reserve role, a change that was first made this season in a win over the Suns.
“Guys have to step up and play the right way,” Ham said. You can never replace what (James) does, but you can survive in his absence. We have a lot of skilled players, especially players with great ball skills. So, it’s all about playing the right way: throwing the ball, helping teammates develop running habits, getting the ball to the target on time (and) setting screens, getting downhill, creating opportunities for each other. “