LeBron James out vs. Bulls due to illness

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is out for Saturday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said during his pregame availability. Richard Jefferson will start in James’ place.

“He’s sick,” Lue said. He did not know if the illness will keep James out for more than one game. Lue also noted that James is not at the arena for the game.

James was listed as questionable on the team’s official injury report. This is the fourth game he has missed this season.

Missing Saturday’s game could have some benefit for the James and the Cavs. Currently, he is averaging 37.5 minutes per game. That’s the second highest per game total in the league behind the 37.7 minutes per game Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry is averaging. Lue has previously said that he hopes to cut back the team’s star players’ minutes in March.

Cleveland is 4-18 without James since he signed with the team prior to the 2014-15 season.