Why LeBron James isn't playing tonight for Lakers vs. Spurs with injury news

Billy Heyen

Why LeBron James isn't playing tonight for Lakers vs. Spurs with injury news image

The Los Angeles Lakers take on the San Antonio Spurs on ESPN on Wednesday night.

LeBron James won't be on the court, though.

It's a bummer for a national audience, which would've loved to see the King take on Victor Wembanyama.

Instead, Luka Doncic will be leading the way without LeBron.

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Why isn't LeBron James playing tonight?

LeBron James is out Wednesday night due to injury.

The injury report lists James with both left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica.

It's a back-to-back for the Lakers.

On Tuesday night, James went for 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

After that game, he said, "Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I am 41."

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Turns out, this TBD turned into OUT.

James has scored 31, 26 and 30 points in his last three games. He's clearly feeling good when he's on the court.

For this second half of a back-to-back, though, James gets to rest as the Lakers consider the big picture.

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Editorial Team