LeBron James took a week-long break from the Los Angeles Lakers over the last week to heal up nagging foot injuries, with some speculating the superstar is facing mental health struggles as well. He opened up on his absence after the Lakers 116-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in his return game tonight.
“I felt pretty good, it’s very rare throughout a season that you can take advantage of the schedule, but I was able to do it over the past week… It’s very rare you can get a break like that in the middle of the schedule, so it was an easy decision for myself, for the team, and for my trainer to take advantage of the days like that. It was great.”
“Saturday after the Hawks game, felt my foot and my body, after that road trip. I did my pregame workout for the Portland game and decided that it was best if I took that game off. Then we looked at the schedule and saw we don’t play again till Friday against Minnesota. I had the opportunity to take more days and get my mind and body where I wanted it to be for tonight, and it worked out.”
LeBron James was asked what he did over the last week to fix his mental and physical struggles and he also spoke about the pressure of playing his 22nd NBA season.
“A lot of rehab and a lot of training still. I made sure I was ready to go tonight and didn’t want to get too out of shape… It’s no different from any other year. The season is always a priority of mine. I know how much I wanna use where I wanna use it. Every year has its own challenges, and this year is no different.”
LeBron also revealed that he was recommended to shut himself down before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers despite his wanting to play.
“I listen to more than just myself. If it was up to me, I probably would’ve played in the Portland game. Not sure if I would be able to play against Minnesota but it would be hard to keep me away from it. So, I have a team and I got to listen to them as well, they look at my best interests as well.”
LeBron put up 18 points (7-17 FG, 3-6 3P, 1-4 FT), eight rebounds, and eight assists while playing 34 minutes in the win against the Grizzlies. He looked great in spurts although he struggled with offensive efficiency during the performance. His playmaking ability is his best contribution to the Lakers right now, as he was setting his teammates, especially Anthony Davis during this game.
Davis had an emphatic 40 points (15-22 FG, 1-4 3P, 9-12 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in the win. He was the real X-factor for the Lakers, proving to be unstoppable while carrying a heavy defensive load as well. James had great defensive moments as well, but Davis was the main reason for this Lakers win.
James looks healthy and motivated to play ahead of a stretch of games where the Lakers will need him. They’re 14-12 in the standings right now, so they need a win streak to catapult them in the right direction again.
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