LeBron James opened up on his chronic left ankle issues this season after the Lakers 136-124 win over the Grizzlies. James let everyone know that he will prioritize being healthy over securing a higher seed.
"We are where we are, but health has always been the most important for our ball club, not just one individual. But for me, looking at myself, knowing my foot and my injury, how it reacts, and how it's been over the last couple of years. I am always keeping a healthy eye on it."
James also said that his decision to miss the Lakers game against the Bucks was motivated by his desire to protect his health.
"I would have tried to play yesterday if that was the case. I got to be smart with it. If I'm not healthy or close to being healthy, it's not good for our ball club anyway. It's not good for me."
James put up an impressive 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists in the win over the Grizzlies tonight. If this is how he's playing on a bad ankle, the Lakers will be salivating to see him fully healthy again. We've seen James healthy for most of the season, as he has averaged 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.
LeBron was dealing with ankle injuries last season as well, missing a chunk of games towards the end of the regular season to be healthy for the playoffs, as the Lakers rotation pulled out big wins to help them climb up to the No. 7 seed. With injuries to the likes of Jarred Vanderbilt and the strength of the West this season, it's unlikely that the Lakers could make an extended run without LeBron available.
LeBron James' Legs Are Worn Down From A 21-Year Career
Injury recovery isn't as simple for LeBron as many other players in the NBA. James has had intermittent ankle issues since an injury in the 2020-21 season where he stepped on Solomon Hill during a game against the Hawks. His ankles haven't been the same since that moment, with James missing time every season to manage his legs.
James opened up on the state of his legs after playing over 70,000 minutes in the NBA.
"I think I saw it the other day, I have like 70,000 minutes. I was explaining to my wife the other day, she asked me how am I feeling when I came home after a game. I said, 'Babe, just imagine buying a 2003 Escalade and it's 2024 and you never changed the tires. So, rub my feet, please.' I've never changed the tires, these are the same tires from 2003."
With the miles on his body, it can't be easy for James to rebound from these injuries and be at 100% during the season when they occur.
Even with injury management, James likely won't miss too many games given his importance to the Lakers' winning efforts. The franchise will be eyeing the No. 8 seed and need to catch up by two games to match the Suns.
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