LeBron James missed a game for the first time this season, sitting out the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 road loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.
James did not accompany the team on its flight to Sacramento, California, after a 114-104 home loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, according to a team spokesperson.
He will still report to Atlanta this weekend to participate in his 17th straight All-Star Game, a source told ESPN, confirming a report by The Athletic.
Heading into the Suns game, James was listed as probable with a left ankle sprain, an injury he suffered earlier in the season. He will receive treatment while he is in L.A., according to the team.
James, 36, had played in all 36 games for the defending champs this season, averaging 25.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists.
L.A. was short-handed for the second night of its back-to-back in Sacramento, as Anthony Davis (right leg), Marc Gasol (health and safety protocols) and Alex Caruso (neck spasms) also were ruled out. Kyle Kuzma (bruised right heel) was a game-time decision but played. He was joined in the starting lineup by Damian Jones, Dennis Schroder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Markieff Morris.
