Why LeBron James isn’t playing against Boston Celtics Tonight

Why LeBron James isn’t playing tonight for Lakers vs. Celtics with injury news after streak ends

An Amazon Prime Video audience will get to watch the always-exciting rivalry clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Except that LeBron James won’t be out there.

It’s the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers.

James just had his double-digit scoring streak snapped on Thursday. He had scored at least 10 points in 1,297 consecutive games.

In Thursday’s win over the Raptors, James scored eight points (and had 11 assists). His final assist was on the game-winning 3-pointer by Rui Hachimura, rather than shoot it himself.

All that said, it’s still a bummer that he’ll miss Friday night’s game, especially with Luka Doncic sidelined, too.

Why isn’t LeBron James playing tonight?

James is out not for anything to do with his streak but because of injury management.

On the second night of a back to back, the Lakers aren’t taking any chances with their 40-year old star.

James is listed with right-side sciatica and left foot joint arthritis.

Neither of those are new injuries. They’re both things he has already dealt with this season.

And at least on Friday night, they’re keeping him on the sideline.