Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game 2 of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James still trying to get back to 100 percent after ankle injury

The Los Angeles Lakers won Game 3 of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns 109-95 to take a 2-1 series lead. 

After putting together his best game of the series thus far, James admitted that his ankle still isn't 100%.

"Obviously, it's been a rough year on me as far as physically with my ankle and dealing with that and still trying to get it where it was before the injury," James said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "But every day is a step forward, and I'm going to continue to put the work into with my treatment around the clock, getting it to where it was before the injury."

The 36-year-old notched 21 points, six rebounds and nine assists in 38 minutes on Thursday night.

James missed nearly two months during the regular season after spraining his ankle. When he returned to the lineup in May, the four-time NBA champion admitted that his ankle probably wouldn't ever get back to 100%.

James will play an important role as the Lakers look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead on Sunday. L.A. should be able to get the job done if his ankle is feeling good.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future