LOS ANGELES -- Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons did not play Sunday night against the Los Angeles Lakers because of left knee soreness.

Simmons missed four games last week because of the same issue and has struggled to find a rhythm since the start of the season.

The news of Simmons' late scratch comes as a surprise only because of the fact that he played just 14 minutes in Saturday's 110-95 win over the LA Clippers.

Since returning on Nov. 7, Simmons is averaging just 3.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game and has turned the ball over four times. Simmons has been coming off the bench as he continues to work his way back from this latest injury setback.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was also ruled out of Sunday's tilt. He suffered an adductor strain in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers and also sat out Friday's loss against the Kings.

The Nets' next game is Tuesday against Sacramento.