LeBron James returns as Lakers shake up starting lineup vs. Grizz

LOS ANGELES – Lakers star forward LeBron James returned to the lineup Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

James missed LA’s last two games because of soreness in his left foot and was away from the team for personal reasons, according to Lakers coach JJ Redick.

Because of the NBA Cup, the Lakers were able to take a cautious approach to the schedule to give James time to recover and rest his body. LA plays just two games in a 10-day stretch from 9-18. December.

Redick said he and James had laid out the plan for the 22-year veteran to take some time for himself ahead of LA’s 107-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 8 — the first game of the season that James missed .

“Just hope he got a good mind and body reset,” Redick said of the rest. “I played 15 (seasons) and was emotionally, mentally, physically drained, fried. I put everything I had into this game. I had nothing left. For guys like him and (Chris Paul), the Tom Bradys, the Roger Federers of the world of the world, it’s hard to fathom having that level of sustained excellence for so long, because of the toll it takes on all of you, not just your body.”

James last played on Dec. 6, giving him eight days off between games.

On the season, James is averaging 23 points on 49.5% shooting (35.9% from 3), 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds. Redick has said he is in constant communication with James and his longtime athletic trainer, Mike Mancias, about managing the four-time MVP’s workload as he approaches his 40th birthday at the end of the month.

James’ return coincides with Redick trying out a new starting lineup for the first time this season, with Max Christie joining James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura on the first unit.