LOS ANGELES — Lakers star LeBron James remained out for Tuesday night’s 120-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves because of left foot arthritis and a right hip contusion.
James went through his pregame shooting routine at Crypto.com Arena prior to the Lakers’ team walk-through and determined he needed more time to get treatment on his left foot before playing in a game, coach JJ Redick said.
It was James’ third straight missed game, the longest stretch the 23-year veteran has been out since he was sidelined the first 14 games of the season with sciatica in his lower back and down his right leg.
Redick said James is considered day to day going forward. The Lakers’ next game is Thursday at home against the Chicago Bulls.
Rui Hachimura started in James’ place for the Lakers, who also were without both of their backup big men against Minnesota, as Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) and Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) were late scratches.
