Lakers Limiting LeBron James’ Minutes For Rest Of Season: Report

BYKyle Rooney5.5K Views
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LeBron to play on minutes restriction, unlikely to play any more back-to-backs moving forward.

The Los Angeles Lakers are still mathematically alive in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs, but it appears the team is preparing to throw in the towel.

According to a report by Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, the Lakers and LeBron James have agreed to a minutes restriction moving forward. Furthermore, it's unlikely that the four-time MVP will play in any more back-to-back games down the stretch.

Though LeBron reached another milestone in his career Wednesday night, as he surpassed Michael Jordan for fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, the Lakers suffered another crucial L at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.

As a result of the 115-99 loss, the Lakers are now sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference at 30-35. With 17 games remaining, the team is 6.5 games back of the eighth seeded Los Angeles Clippers, and they're closer record-wise to the Memphis Grizzlies, who have the sixth worst record in the league. 

LeBron, 34, is averaging 27.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8 assists in 47 games this season. He also averages the seventh most minutes per game with 35.6 minutes per.

Up next for the Lakers is a Saturday night matchup against the Celtics in Boston, a game which will air on ABC at 8:30pm ET. There are three back-to-back games remaining on the Lakers schedule, so it's likely James will miss at least three more games and possibly more once they are officially eliminated from playoff contention.


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<b>Sports &amp; Sneakers Writer</b> <!--BR--> New York born and raised. Long-suffering Knicks, Mets &amp; Jets fan who fell in love with sneakers when Allen Iverson laced up the 11s at Georgetown. Commissioner of one of the premier fantasy football leagues in the USA.
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