LeBron James’ role in LA shootaround cancellation amid busy schedule

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers they’re about to get to the tough part of their schedule they’re in plays almost every other day and they have two sets in a row until the end of the month. Last month in the middle of the NBA Cup, the schedule was a little spaced out. But January will hit them fast. Considering health, especially when it comes to LeBron JamesLakers head coach JJ Redick revealed that the team will no longer hold game-day scrimmages.

Speaking to reporters following the Lakers’ practice on Sunday, JJ Redick said LeBron James’ health and availability were key factors in the decision to cancel the games.

“We made the decision 12-13 days ago that we weren’t going to shoot in the morning anymore. Part of that thought process was that we have a 41-year-old who shouldn’t be on his feet twice a day,” Redick said. “Let’s just rev his engine once. The other part was just reading the personnel, like what we’re really getting out of the scrimmage based on who’s on our team.”

Since James made his season debut in November following a nerve injury, he did not play in any match. He has missed a total of 17 games so far, putting him at risk of being disqualified for postseason honors due to the NBA’s 65-game rule. With two sets of back-to-back games this month, that is increasingly likely James’ streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA seasons the team is coming to an end.

James has appeared in 19 games so far this year, averaging just over 33 minutes per game. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals on 51 percent shooting from the field, 32 percent from the 3-point line and 70.9 percent from the free throw line.

The first half of February is also a very compressed schedule leading up to the All-Star break. With Austin Reaves still out with a calf injury, and no new information on his potential return, it’s just something the Lakers will have to deal with.

“This is, generally speaking, our toughest month just from a game standpoint,” Redick said. “We were engaged to start the season and then we kind of saw everyone off. Now we’re ready again this month. But in a way, it’s just up to us to deal with it. I think it’s just a read of the team.”

The Lakers begin the first night of back-to-back games on Monday at the Sacramento Kings, then return home the next day to face the Atlanta Hawks.