LA Lakers' LeBron James to sit out remainder of season due to groin injury
Sunday 31 March 2019 08:19, UK
LeBron James will sit out the six remaining games of LA Lakers' NBA season to allow his groin injury to fully heal, the team announced on Saturday.
James, who has been on a minutes restriction ever since the Lakers fell out of playoff contention, played 35 minutes against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, three minutes over his suggested playing time.
He then played 34 minutes Tuesday against the Washington Wizards.
Those most recent games for James came after he tweaked his right knee in the closing minutes of Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Lakers General Manager, Rob Pelinka. said in a 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.
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"This decision will allow his groin to fully heal, and is best for the future success of both LeBron and the Lakers."
James will travel with the team on the upcoming road trip to New Orleans and Oklahoma City.
James has led the Lakers in assists in each of the past three games, collecting 14 in Tuesday's 124-106 victory over the Wizards.
He has scored 27.4 points per game in his first season in Los Angeles with 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists.
At 33-41, the Lakers are next to last in the Pacific Division, ahead of only the Phoenix Suns. Los Angeles was officially eliminated from playoff contention after Friday's defeat to the Nets.
