LeBron James had 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes during his return to action on Sunday, but the Lakers lost 118-108 to Chicago. James said if he had listened to some medical experts, he would have been shut down for the season, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha (Twitter links).
James, who missed 13 consecutive games, said he tore a tendon in his right foot — an injury that typically takes longer than just four weeks of recovery. Doctors told him he healed from the injury faster than they’ve ever seen. The Lakers superstar got recommendations from two doctors to undergo season-ending surgery, but he went to see the “LeBron James of feet,” who helped to get him back on the court.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Deandre Ayton missed the Suns’ win over Philadelphia on Saturday and has now been sidelined for four consecutive games due to a right hip contusion. However, there’s optimism he’ll return on Monday — he has been listed as probable to play against Utah, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweets.
- The Clippers have lost three of their last five games, including a 21-point defeat administered by New Orleans. The Pelicans controlled the game from the start and Kawhi Leonard left the game in the third quarter with a facial bruise after being elbowed. The Clippers play four games in six games, beginning on Monday night, and need a strong finish to avoid the play-in tournament, Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times writes. “It’s tough to dig yourself a hole and try to climb out every single night,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “We got to be better starting games.” Leonard is probable to play on Monday, Greif tweets.
- As expected, Gary Payton II was available to play for the first time since the Warriors re-acquired him from the Trail Blazers at the trade deadline, Kendra Andrews of ESPN tweets. He had been sidelined by a right adductor injury.
LeBron is a great basketball player, but come on, “the LeBron James of feet”. I can’t picture too many other athletes considered the best in their sport saying this. Maybe like MacGregor and Mayweather, not exactly the company you want to keep
I think it was his brother so the name is similar that’s all. So quick to judge…
What!? His brother said it, his brother is the foot doctor, what are you talking about? He said it
Don’t you dare question me. It’s the doctor. Don’t talk down to me. I’m a top 3 commenter on this website.
You will show me respect. I’m a top 3 commenter on this board!
I’ve noticed you stopped liking your own comments. Proud of you big guy
The only other person I could see saying something like that is Trump. Even funnier that they both hate each other (at least in public/media comments) and they are the exact same type of person.
I legit want to see the Lakers play without Bron if he isn’t fully healthy right now. They were winning and other players were stepping up. Let AD find what he’s made up instead of having to think about LeBron being on the court.
Most writers can’t discuss the Lakers without speaking of BRON BRON. It’s all they know.
True. AD went from being mentioned as a top 5 player to Lebrons sidekick. He’s still very good when healthy but it’s the media perception:
Isn’t this always just Lebron’s story line he tells? I think every playoffs he’s been in there is a season ending injury only he could withstand and play through. He likes to create a narrative where if the team goes somewhere (which the lakers arent), he is the hero. If they lose you can blame him because he was so brave.
Wow someone is jealous…
Lebron makes the Lakers worse. He needs to change his style of play, its not working
Winning a ring in LA kind of disproves this theory no? And what “style of play” are you talking about here exactly? What does that mean?
Winning a ring once A D came to the Lakers.
GP2 is back!!!!!! He’s hundred times more valuable to Warriors than Wiseman and should have never left to begin with. Now, let’s get Wiggins back!
IMO it’s better for the Warriors to get the 6 seed than 4 or 5. 4 or 5 likely means playing a Kevin Durant led Suns team or perhaps the Clippers. While the 6th seed plays Sacramento. Sac is a good team but I like the Warriors chances better against them than the Suns or Clippers