LeBron James missed the Los Angeles Lakers ‘ game against Indiana on Saturday to rest his sore left ankle.
The Lakers announced the decision about four hours before they hosted the Pacers.
The 40-year-old James has been outstanding in recent weeks for the Lakers (30-19), who have won four straight and 10 of 12 despite trading center Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic last weekend.
Although dealing with regular ankle pain, James hadn’t missed a game since December 28 against Sacramento, and he has missed only four games this season.
“LeBron, just a little bit of increased soreness on that foot after the other night,” coach JJ Redick said before the game. “Luka is progressing well, but we’ll make that decision in real time on Monday.”
Doncic also sat out the game against Indiana as he finishes his recovery from straining his left calf on Christmas. The Slovenian superstar has participated in practice with his new team this week, and he is expected to make his Lakers debut Monday against Utah.
James is averaging 29.0 points, 9.9 assists and 8.4 rebounds over the past seven games. He became the oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points when he dropped 42 in a win over Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
The Lakers beat Pacers 124-117.