Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will not play Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder after the organization decided to shut him down for the remainder of the season.
James missed 17 games earlier this season due to a left groin injury suffered on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors. He returned to play on Jan. 31 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Lakers were cautious with James once he returned to action. He would periodically rest due to what the team called “load management” in order to avoid overusing him following the injury.
The former four-time MVP averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 8.3 rebounds in 55 games this season for the Lakers, the fewest games played in a season during his 16-year career.
With James missing the game on Tuesday, the Thunder will have not played him during his first season in L.A. after sitting out the previous two meetings due to injury.
The two teams have split the season series thus far with the Lakers most recently winning 138-128 in overtime on Jan. 17. The Lakers are also expected to be without Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Tyson Chandler.
The game on Tuesday is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. CT and can be seen on TNT.
