LeBron Ruled Out vs. Celtics — Foot Arthritis Sidelines King

LeBron James has been ruled out for Friday’s matchup at Boston with "left foot joint arthritis" and lingering sciatica, Shams Charania reports. That absence matters: James is the Lakers’ engine, his veteran minutes are being managed this season and his streak of 10+ point games just ended. Austin Reaves will carry the offensive load while Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber and Jake LaRavia see expanded roles against a hostile TD Garden crowd. Merlin sees the season as a long chess match with LeBron’s body as a key piece that must be preserved. At 40 and in his 23rd year, James’ minutes will be rationed and the Lakers will lean on structure and depth rather than heroics. This is a test of coaching, bench resilience and whether role players can tilt a tight contest.