On December 29th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season saw the Lakers face off against the Kings once again. Prior to the game, LeBron James' status was downgraded to a game-time decision due to illness, and he ultimately missed the game against the Kings due to his condition. Vincent will replace James in the starting lineup; Rui Hachimura (also sick) is available to play, while Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell will decide whether to participate before the game.
Previously, James had missed team training due to illness and was listed as questionable for the game due to his health. Before today's game, a Lakers beat reporter announced that James would miss the game against the Kings due to illness. This marks the third time this season that James has missed a game; in the previous two instances, the Lakers had a record of one win and one loss.
James missed what would have been his last game before turning 40 years old, as he will celebrate his 40th birthday tomorrow. Currently, James has scored in double digits in 1250 consecutive games. The last time he failed to reach double digits was on January 5, 2007, when the Cavaliers played against the Bucks. In that game, James shot 3 for 13, scoring only 8 points. In other words, James has scored in double digits for 17 consecutive years, and even in his 22nd year in the league, he continues to deliver incredible performances.
This season, James has played 28 games for the Lakers, averaging 35 minutes per game with 23.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 9 assists. His shooting percentage is 49.6%, his three-point percentage is 35.7%, and his free-throw percentage is 76.7%. The Lakers have defeated the Kings three times this season, and after today's game against the Kings, they will face the top-ranked Cavaliers at home on January 1st.