Ex-Lakers Star Nick Van Exel Points Finger at Shoes For Rash of NBA Injuries

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated May 14, 2025 4:53 AM ET

Former Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks point guard Nick Van Exel played 13 seasons in the NBA, during which he became one of the quickest and most explosive scoring and passing guards in the league.

Van Exel quietly finished his career with one-year stints in Golden State, Portland and San Antonio as he wrapped things up with a 14.4 points per game career scoring average, his best scoring season coming in 2001-02 when he averaged 21.4 points per game with the Denver Nuggets.

On Tuesday, Van Exel let loose with comments on what he characterized as a rise in Achilles injuries in the NBA, including a direct and unmistakable message for today's players.

"There have been Achilles tears throughout the years but my thoughts on them is that they happen more now and I think it has something to do with them dam lows the players wear nowadays," Van Exel said about low top shoes in the NBA.

"Cover them ankles up fellas," the former Lakers great added.

The post was viewed over 520,000 times as of Wednesday morning following a full slate of NBA Playoffs action.

Fans reacted in the comments section, with one saying that they never saw NBA legends suffer Achilles injuries in high top Converse shoes.

Ive never seen Wilt, Russell, Magic, or Bird tear an Achilles in them high top Converse shoes

You might be on to something unk! @vanexel31 pic.twitter.com/Dw9dGfGCae
— @Fastblackkid™ (@Reggie_FBK) May 14, 2025

"I really think it's a part of it. Been saying it for years," Van Exel added.

I really believe it’s a part of it. Been saying it for years. It’s been happening to much over the past 5-7 yrs and all players are wearing lows. I don’t even know how you hoop in lows.
— Nick Van Exel (@vanexel31) May 13, 2025