LeBron James will be absent from the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James will be absent from the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to tendinitis in his left ankle, as announced by the club. The 38-year-old power forward had an impressive performance in the previous game, contributing 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in a 124-108 Lakers loss to the Chicago Bulls.

The Lakers have struggled recently, going 1-4 since winning the first NBA In-Season Tournament. LeBron James acknowledged that the team’s slump is a result of various factors, including emotional and physical fatigue, the demands of the season, and the frustration of not winning.

LeBron James continues to lead the Lakers in scoring with an average of 25.2 points per game and also leads in assists with 7.3 per game and steals with 1.5 per game. He ranks second in rebounds with 7.7 per game, behind Anthony Davis.

Since winning the tournament, the Lakers have faced challenges, including allowing the most 3-pointers per game in the NBA and ranking second to last in opponent 3-point shooting percentage at 42.8%.

In other basketball news, the Basketball Hall of Fame announced its list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2024, including first-time nominees such as members of the 2008 US Olympic gold medal squad, Seimone Augustus, Bill Laimbeer, Mike Fratello, Andrew Gaze, Penny Taylor, and Michele Timms. The Hall of Fame also made changes to its election process to provide more careful consideration to candidates from veterans, contributors, and international committees.

The anniversary of the introduction of basketball by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 was also marked on Thursday, underscoring the rich history of the sport.