Overview
- The Lakers ruled James out against San Antonio due to arthritis in his left foot, pushing him under the league’s games-played requirement for awards.
- The 65-game minimum, added in the latest collective bargaining agreement to curb selective rest, has drawn renewed scrutiny in light of James’s case.
- Los Angeles has managed James’s workload conservatively, with coach JJ Redick conferring with medical staff and the player on participation.
- James missed the first 14 games with sciatica and has since accumulated further absences under a cautious plan to protect his health.
- Despite ineligibility for season honors, he remains an All-Star selection and is producing strong per-game numbers this season.