‘Grateful’ Simmons makes his debut with Nets

LeBron James is unlikely to play on Friday when the Los Angeles Lakers play at the Minnesota Timberwolves. James, who missed Sunday’s game with foot soreness, will have an eight-day break if he returns on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

“In game, he’s asked for a sub a couple times because he’s gassed,” JJ Redick said Wednesday. “For us, we have to be cognizant as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes and Sunday, being banged up with the foot thing, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest.”

James turns 40 later this month.