Why is LeBron James Not Playing Tonight vs the Raptors?

The Los Angeles Lakers, after winning eight of their last ten games, suffered a huge road loss last night. Taking on the Cavaliers at Cleveland, the Lakers could not secure LeBron James a victory on his homecoming.

Donovan Mitchell ruined the King’s return with an incredible 43-point performance. With Anthony Davis leaving the game early, the Lakers didn’t have the firepower to take them past the line. They ended up breaking a three-game win streak with a 116-102 loss.

Playing his seventh game back from the injury scare, LeBron recorded a team-high 21 points and 17 rebounds. In the time he’s been back, the Lakers have had a 5-2 record.

With the Lakers getting ready to face the Raptors in Toronto, the fans might wonder why LeBron James is not playing tonight.

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LeBron James is OUT with left ankle soreness

While playing the Wizards in Washington, LeBron James seemed to have tweaked his ankle. This put him on the injury list for the game against the Cavaliers, where he was listed as probable. However, with the Lakers playing a back-to-back, the team doesn’t want to risk an injury to the 37-year-old star.

In the report shared by the team before the game, the King has been listed as OUT for the game in Toronto.

LeBron James (left ankle soreness), Anthony Davis (non-COVID illness) and Wenyen Gabriel (left shoulder sprain) are out tonight against the Raptors.

Patrick Beverley (right knee soreness) is doubtful.

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 7, 2022

The King’s absence would come as a major blow to the team, who will already play without Anthony Davis.

While there won’t be many expectations from the Lakers, Russell Westbrook would rally the troops and try and steal a win in the North.

Also Read: “Anthony Davis is More Disappointing Than Dominating!”: Skip Bayless Berates 6ft 10″ Lakers Star for Grimacing Exit With ‘Flu-Like’ Symptoms