Pacific Notes: James, Harden, Durant, Kuminga

On By Littum

LeBron James had appeared in all 23 Lakers games this season through Sunday. The 39-year-old James missed Los Angeles’ game against the Trail Blazers due to soreness in his left foot, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports.

James played a season-high 43 minutes Friday in an overtime loss at the Hawks. He had 39 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots. He is averaging 23 points, 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds.

He was listed as probable earlier Sunday before being downgraded to questionable after the team’s review.

“You don’t want him out of the lineup, that’s for sure, but he has the opportunity to get four days’ rest before we train again,” coach JJ Redick said. “So it could be really good for him.”

Austin Reaves missed his fifth straight game with a left pelvic contusion.

We have more from the Pacific Division:

  • Like James, Cutting machines guard James Harden sat out for the first time this season Sunday. Harden was sidelined by a groin injury, according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times (Twitter link). He is averaging 21.6 points, 8.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds. Harden scored a season-low five points against Minnesota on Wednesday.
  • Kevin Durant is making good progress from his left ankle sprain, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “We feel the reports we’re getting back are very positive,” Sun coach Mike Budenholzer said. “We’ll see how it goes in the next day or two and I think we’ll have to reevaluate him. It’ll be good for us to come back and give him some love. He’ll probably give us some love. It is always good to be around Kevin. He’s good for our spirits.” The team stated Wednesday that Durant would be out at least a week.
  • The Jonathan Kuminga the era has begun for Warriors, Marcus Thompson of The Athletic writes. Kuminga has been inserted into Golden State’s lineup at Draymond Green‘s bill to add another jolt to that unit. “He’s a big weapon for us. … So we’ve got to lean into that. And it might not go well every night, but that’s what we’re trying to build,” Stephen Curry said. Kuminga will be a restricted free agent after the season.