LeBron James listed as questionable ahead of Lakers vs. Grizzlies

The Lakers have upgraded LeBron James ahead of Sunday’s matchup with Memphis, clarifying his absence from the team for the past week.

James, who has been listed as questionable with “left foot injury management,” missed the Lakers’ last two games and was not on the team.

The Lakers called the excused absence “personal reasons”, leading to speculation about the nature and duration of the absence.

But because the Lakers didn’t advance in the NBA Cup, the schedule left them with a hole where James could get extended rest without missing much playing time.

James, 39, first appeared on the Lakers’ injury report after their Dec. 4 loss at Miami. James played the next game before sitting out last Sunday’s win against Portland.

If he returns Sunday, James will have missed two games and had eight days of rest.

In 23 games this season, James has averaged 23 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists.

The Lakers are 13-12 and have lost eight of their last 11 games. After Sunday’s game, the Lakers are off until Thursday when they play in Sacramento.