According to Shams Charania, LeBron James is likely out for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James has been dealing with foot soreness for a while now and will have an extended break to help him recover. LeBron last played on December 6th against the Atlanta Hawks, where he had a 30-point triple-double.

JJ Redick said LeBron has been “gassed” recently and needed a break, which the Los Angeles Lakers granted. Los Angeles gave him an excused absence.

“In game, he’s asked for a sub a couple times because he’s gassed,” JJ Redick said Wednesday. “For us, we have to be cognizant as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes and Sunday, being banged up with the foot thing, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest.”

If LeBron plays this Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies, he would have had eight days of rest. However, if LeBron is ruled out for that home game, then the next game to play would be on December 19th.

Los Angeles takes on the Sacramento Kings on the 19th for anyone curious. LeBron would also have almost two weeks to rest if given Sunday off.

In 23 games this season, the 39-year-old (soon to be 40) averages 23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in 35.0 minutes.

After a horrific game produced by one of the league’s All-Time Greats, head coach JJ Redick may look at a different strategy for LeBron James.

James said he wanted to play in all 82 games earlier in the season. This has gained praise and admiration, especially highlighting that he is almost a 40-year-old man; however, many have now wondered if he’s already tired.

After appearing in 21 games this season, LeBron looks fatigued, and Monday night showed it. LeBron shot 4/16 from the field while turning the ball over six times. Not to mention, LeBron, in the last ten games, is averaging 5.1 turnovers per game.

With all this information, Redick has finally weighed in and isn’t sure he agrees with LeBron playing every game.

“I don’t know that’s in the best interest of him and us if he does that, but if he’s feeling well and feeling good, then he should play,” Redick said. “But we obviously want to manage that as best we can.”

LeBron was asked about his goal, and his response has been the same: he’s not thinking about it right now.

“That’s a goal, but we’ll see,” James said. “It’s something I ain’t discussing right now.”

Los Angeles is 5-5 in their last ten games, as after Monday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers fell to the eighth seed of the Western Conference with a record of 12-9.

They get a night off Tuesday before heading to Miami to take on the Heat on Wednesday night.

The 39-year-old averages 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in 35 minutes per game.

According to LeBron James himself, he isn’t going to play “until the wheels fall off.” Despite saying that, James never said when he would retire. That thought is still running through his head.

“I’m not gonna play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don’t know how many years that is, whether it’s 1 year, 2 years, whatever… I’m not playing til the wheels fall off.”

Now, this speculation has been intensified by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Per Charania, he believes LeBron will retire after next season. He cites it because that’s his $52.6 million player option season.

Over the past couple of contracts he has signed, LeBron has made it very flexible to where he’s in control of what happens. Whether that’s short-term deals or including a player option.

However, despite what Shams said, he does see a world where he does continue to play. He cites the NBA All-Star Weekend being held in Los Angeles in 2027, and his son, Bryce James, being able to play with his father as soon as the 2026-27 season.

While all of this is speculation, it would be interesting to see him have his farewell tour in 2027, playing with his two sons on the Lakers, hosting the All-Star Weekend, and having that year dedicated to him.