:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63325622/1061612344.jpg.0.jpg)
LeBron James is set to rest for the remainder of the Lakers’ season following a statement from the team. James, who arrived in Los Angeles via free agency last summer, appeared in only 55 games for the Lakers due to a groin injury suffered on Christmas Day.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski delivered the news on Saturday.
Lakers are sitting out LeBron James for the rest of the season, team says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 30, 2019
Dave McMenamin of ESPN also added a statement from the Lakers as the news surfaced. According to the statement, the decision to sideline LeBron is tied to his previous groin injury.
Lakers statement: “After consulting with our team doctors and medical staff, we have decided to hold LeBron out of games for the remainder of the season. This decision will allow his groin to fully heal, and is best for the future success of both LeBron and the Lakers.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 30, 2019
With a record of 34-42, the Lakers are eliminated from the Western Conference postseason race. James posted averages of 27.4 points and 8.3 assists in his first season in Los Angeles. The 34-year-old star is under contract with the Lakers through the 2020-21 season with a player option for the 2021-22 season.
The Trail Blazers will face the LeBron-less Lakers on April 9 before finishing the regular season against the Kings.