LeBron James was upgraded to questionable ahead of Lakers vs. Grizzlies

The Lakers upgraded LeBron James ahead of Sunday’s game against Memphis, making it clear that he hasn’t been with the team for the past week.

James, whose “treatment for left foot injury” was listed as questionable, missed the Lakers’ last two games and was not with the team.

The Lakers cited the excused absence as “personal reasons,” leading to speculation about the nature and length of the absence.

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However, with the Lakers failing to advance in the NBA Cup, the schedule gave them a gap in which James could take extended rest without missing significant playing time.

James, 39, appeared on the Lakers’ injury report for the first time after they suffered a resounding loss at Miami on Dec. 4. James played the next game before sitting out last Sunday’s win over Portland.

When he returns on Sunday, James will have missed two games and been given eight days’ rest.

In 23 games this season, James averaged 23 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists.

The Lakers are 13-12 and have lost eight of their last 11 games. After Sunday’s game, the Lakers are off until Thursday when they play in Sacramento.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.