Why is LeBron James about to sit out his first game of the year?

LeBron James will not suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night vs. the Sacramento Kings. What’s up with that?

For the first time this season, LeBron James will not play for the Los Angeles Lakers. He will sit out Wednesday night’s game vs. the Pacific Division foe Sacramento Kings.

James has played in all 36 games for the Lakers up to this point. Wednesday night will be the second of a back-to-back for Los Angeles. This is also the Lakers’ final game before the All-Star Break. Their next game after Wednesday will be on March 12 vs. the Indiana Pacers. James sitting out on Wednesday night will have no impact on his participation in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

Nobody will blame LeBron James for sitting out the final game before the break

In their 36 games since winning it all down in the Orlando bubble, the Lakers have gone 24-12. They are percentage points back of the Phoenix Suns in the Pacific Division race, but 3.5 games behind the Utah Jazz for the top seed in the Western Conference. Keep in mind the Lakers have had to tread water without Anthony Davis for the last few weeks do to an ailing Achilles’ tendon.

As long as James participates in the NBA All-Star Game in some capacity, nobody should have any issues with him punting on the Kings game on Wednesday night. Keep in mind the Lakers are one of four teams who barely got an offseason by spending so much time in the Orlando bubble. It has had a carryover effect on the Lakers, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat this season.

Sitting out the second game of a back-to-back is smart for James and the Lakers organization. This season is about defending their title and getting some rest for The King just helps them get closer to that goal.