NBA superstar LeBron James made his return to the court for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday evening.
James has been away from the Los Angeles Lakers since Wednesday for what are being described as “personal reasons,” with much speculation surrounding the reasons for his absence.
The 39-year-old was on the Lakers’ injury report last week due to foot soreness, and on Friday he was listed with a left foot injury.
However, he returned to the Lakers on Sunday night for their game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Los Angeles.
Last Sunday against Portland was the first game James has missed this season, making it two with his absence on the trip to Minnesota.
He did not appear to have traveled to Minnesota with the team and was not on the bench for the game.
LeBron James made his return to the field for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday evening
James, pictured with his wife Savannah, had left the team for personal reasons
Lakers coach Redick revealed the news of James’ absence on Wednesday, telling reporters, “LeBron is not with the team at this time. He is absent for personal reasons, excused absence.’
He added that the veteran “needs some time” and had no timetable for when James would return to the team.
James’ absence also comes after he was shrouded in trade rumors this week.
The Golden State Warriors are said to be keeping an eye on the veteran as they look for a second star to join Steph Curry, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported this week.
“The Warriors have been dreaming of pairing LeBron with Steph Curry and Draymond Green since last year,” he said on the network’s “Get Up.”
“They investigated and it was closed last February. That was before LeBron played with Steve Kerr and Steph Curry and won the gold medal this summer.
The 39-year-old was listed on the Lakers’ injury report last week due to foot soreness
“So they’ll definitely be monitoring the situation, and I don’t think they’re doing anything without knowing that this door is locked, but I would just tell LeBron, it’s up to him. He has a no-trade clause and he has given no indication that he wants the Lakers to do anything other than upgrade the roster they have, not that he wants to go anywhere.”
James fulfilled his dream of playing in the NBA with his son Bronny this season when the 20-year-old was selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2024 Draft.
They became the first-ever father-son duo to play alongside each other in an NBA game during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22.
However, James Jr. was assigned to the Lakers’ G-League affiliate earlier last month and is expected to move between LA and South Bay this season.