Lakers News: JaVale McGee Won't Play vs. Warriors Because of Pneumonia
Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee will miss his first opportunity to play against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.
According to Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell, McGee will not make the trip to the Bay Area and will miss Tuesday's Christmas Day showdown with the Warriors as he recovers from pneumonia.
The 30-year-old has not played since Dec. 15, missing the last four games. According to the Mercury News' Jon Becker, McGee spent three days in an L.A. hospital as a result of his illness.
Although he has reportedly been ruled out for Tuesday's game, the veteran has appeared to make progress in recent days.
"I feel a little better," McGee told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes on Sunday. "Surprisingly, I didn't lose any weight. All I can do is get healthy and get back in shape as soon as possible so that I can contribute towards making us a playoff-contending team. This is such a great organization, and the way we're battling and the way our young fellas are holding it down with the injuries we've endured is incredible. I'm proud of how we pulled off that game against New Orleans [on Friday]. I just can't wait to get back."
Playing without McGee is a tough blow to Los Angeles' front line. The 7'0", 270-pound big man has had a solid start to his Lakers tenure, averaging 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in 29 appearances this season.
Prior to signing with L.A. during the offseason, McGee had spent the previous two years in Golden State. He helped the Warriors win back-to-back championships while playing a supporting role to Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
McGee was scheduled to get his second championship ring when he returned to Oracle Arena on Tuesday.
With a chance to soak in a special night, he had his sights set on joining his teammates on the court in Oakland.
"Of course, that's the only thing, the only game I've been thinking about while being bedridden is the Christmas Day game," McGee said. "No offense to the other teams, but that's really important to me. I've got to get better for that game. That's the homecoming, the ring ceremony. It's really important."
Alas, McGee will have to miss out and watch the game from afar.
