AUBURN HILLS, Mich. _ LeBron James will not play Monday when the Cavaliers face the Detroit Pistons. Citing his 40 minutes Sunday and the fact this is their fifth game in seven nights, Tyronn Lue is giving James the night off.
All other healthy players are available, including Kyrie Irving, who played 44 minutes in Sunday's win against the Warriors.
"Kyrie had six days off last week," Lue said. "Playing five games in seven nights, including tonight, played a big factor in my decision to hold LeBron out tonight."
James made the trip, however, and Lue said a final decision wasn't rendered until Monday morning. Perhaps still smarting from the stinging criticism he received for leaving James, Irving and Kevin Love home when the Cavs played at Memphis recently, Lue made sure to point out James at least made the trip to the Palace.
"We wanted to make sure he's here and make sure everybody can see him," Lue said.
The Cavs are just 4-17 in games James has missed since he returned to Cleveland.
