Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sits on the bench against the Phoenix Suns during a preseason game at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers' LeBron James to miss first game of season against Kings

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/3/21

LeBron James will miss his first game of the season on Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Sacramento Kings, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Lakers’ LeBron James will sit out his first game of the season on Wednesday at the Sacramento Kings on the back-to-back, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The absence won’t impact his All-Star Game appearance Sunday in Atlanta.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 3, 2021

The Lakers fell to the Phoenix Suns 114-104 on Tuesday and James was listed as probable for the contest with a left ankle sprain. He ended up playing and finished with 38 points, five rebounds and six assists.

According to ESPN, James will receive treatment for his ankle while he's in L.A. before the All-Star Game.

The 36-year-old has played every game for the Lakers this season, averaging 25.8 points, eight rebounds and 7.8 assists per game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 35.8% from deep.

The Lakers could be very shorthanded on Wednesday against the Kings. Anthony Davis has been out with right leg injuries and Marc Gasol, Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso were all on the injury report after the Suns game.

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