LeBron James to miss Warriors game due to soreness

LeBron James returned from his groin injury a game earlier than expected, and that may have cost him an appearance against the Golden State Warriors.

The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Saturday evening that LeBron would miss the team’s game later that night against the Warriors due to “load management.” Lakers head coach Luke Walton said LeBron felt pretty sore.

Lakers coach Luke Walton on conversation w/ LeBron James on sitting out Saturday vs. Warriors with “pretty sore” groin after playing 40 minutes vs. Clippers on Thursday: “As much as you might want to play, let’s make the smart decision.”

Tyson Chandler will also rest tonight.

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 3, 2019

James injured his groin on Christmas against the Warriors. He missed the team’s next 17 games before returning on Thursday against the Clippers. He ended up playing 40 minutes in his first game back, which went to overtime.

Proceeding with caution is the prudent thing to do for the Lakers.