Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is unlikely to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, sources told ESPN.

James, who missed Sunday’s game because of foot soreness, would have eight days between games when he returns Sunday against Memphis.

Because of the NBA Cup, the Lakers are able to approach the schedule carefully to give James the opportunity to recalibrate and recharge his body.

LA will play just two games in 10 days from Dec. 9-18 – coach JJ Redick gave the entire team off on Monday and designated Tuesday as an optional “get what you need” day.

Redick met individually with many of the Lakers’ players on Tuesday, but James was not present, the coach said Wednesday.

This season, James is averaging 23 points on 49.5% shooting (35.9% from 3), 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds. Redick said he is in constant contact with the player and Mike Mancias, James’ longtime athletic trainer, to manage the four-time MVP’s workload as he approaches his 40th birthday at the end of the month.

“He was asked to come on a couple of times in the game because he was gassed,” Redick said Wednesday. “For us, we have to be aware that as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect that comes from playing a lot of minutes, and on Sunday when he was hit with his foot, it felt like one good opportunity for him to get some rest.”