LeBron misses 4th game of season vs. Bulls with illness

Forward LeBron James wasn't in the lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena due to an illness.

Richard Jefferson got the start at the three-spot in his stead.

Originally listed as questionable, James was told by head coach Tyronn Lue to stay home. The four-time league MVP didn't take part in the team's light workout earlier in the day.

It's just the fourth time this season that James hasn't suited up for the defending NBA champions. Cleveland is 0-3 when he doesn't play, with two of those losses coming by 10 or more points.

James is averaging 25.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.9 assists during the 2016-17 campaign, with Cleveland holding down the top seed in the Eastern Conference at 40-16.