Skip Bayless makes his feelings known on LeBron James' extended break from basketball

LeBron James did not play in the LA Lakers’ 107-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday due to a sore left foot. Lakers insider Mike Trudell also reported that the four-time MVP was excused from the team’s practice on Thursday for personal reasons. LA’s next game will be on Friday against the Timberwolves in Minnesota.

Skip Bayless reacted to news of James taking time off from basketball on X, formerly Twitter:

“LeBron needed a break and he took one amid a light schedule, ahead of his 40th birthday. No Cup craziness this year. Lakers need this man relatively fresh for the postseason.”

LA’s got a four-day break because of the NBA Cup. The Lakers did not make it to the eight-team quarterfinals after getting dethroned in group play. LA’s elimination could serve them well because some of their key players are dealing with injuries.

Bayless is on the money with his comment. The LA Lakers badly need LeBron James to be healthy to push for a spot in the playoffs. JJ Redick’s team sits eighth in the Western Conference with a 13-11 record.

Climbing to the top 5 will not be impossible as the teams are tightly bunched. LA is only six games behind the OKC Thunder (19-5), No. 1 in the conference.

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LeBron James and the LA Lakers face a tough December schedule

The LA Lakers have a tough schedule once they resume playing. After visiting the Timberwolves on Friday, they host Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies two nights later.

Their schedule also includes games against the Sacramento Kings twice, the Detroit Pistons and a marquee matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Christmas.

LeBron James and Co. finish the month with another showdown with the Kings before hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers, holders of the NBA’s best record. Every team on the Lakers’ schedule, including the Pistons, is capable of beating them. James and his teammates need to maximize their rest as they face a slew of good teams before the year turns.

King James is averaging 23.0 points, 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game. The Lakers need everything he can give them to finish December with at least a .500 record.