The Los Angeles Lakers recently faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves and ended up losing 97-87 at the Target Center. Anthony Davis had a solid game, scoring 23 points along with 1 assist and 11 rebounds. Unfortunately, even with his strong performance, the team couldn’t pull off the win, especially because star player LeBron James was absent.

James was sidelined during the Lakers’ 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers due to soreness in his left foot. With a four-day break before the next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, fans were hopeful for his return. However, he missed that game as well. Lakers head coach JJ Redick explained that James was absent for personal reasons. Additionally, during a recent press conference, Anthony Davis gave a cryptic response regarding James’s absence.

Reporter: “Have you spoken to him about the kind of tone that you guys as stakeholders need to set in this stretch, does it feel like an opportunity for you two specifically to kind of put your stamp on things?”

Davis: “I haven’t talked to him about any of that.”

After the recent loss to the Timberwolves, the Lakers are currently in the 10th spot of the Western Conference standings.

Skip Bayless Critiques LeBron James For Stepping Away

LeBron James’ leave has sparked debate within the basketball community. Fans, analysts, and players share their thoughts on the superstar’s absence. One noteworthy response came from Skip Bayless, who’s been a longtime critic of James. In his recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Bayless urged James to conclude his leave and return to the court.

“Come back soon, LeBron … from Germany or wherever you’ve gone during your “personal time” off. Lakers lose at Minnesota, need a refortified you.” Bayless wrote.

The Lakers currently have 13 wins and 12 losses in the 2024-25 NBA regular season. The uncertainty surrounding James’ return is increasingly worrying fans.