LeBron James Out for Lakers vs. Jazz with Foot Injury Described as Soreness

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss Monday's game against the Utah Jazz with left foot soreness.

It will be the first missed action of the year for the forward, who is averaging 24.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists through nine games in 2022-23.

Injuries continue to be a story for James late in his career.

The 18-time All-Star was limited to 56 games in 2021-22 as knee, ankle and abdominal injuries cost him significant time. He missed 27 games in 2020-21 with ankle issues.

Only once in his four years with the Lakers has he played more than 60 games in a season.

James worked his way back to full strength by the middle of the offseason after the 2021-22 campaign.

"I'm 100 percent healthy," he told ESPN's Dave McMenamin during an appearance at the Drew League in July.

Another injury could force the Lakers to be cautious around the 37-year-old in his 20th season in the NBA.

James averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game last season, but he is off to a slower start this year while the team is just 2-7.

Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook must take on bigger offensive roles with LeBron unavailable, although Davis is dealing with a back injury.