The Los Angeles Lakers have their star man LeBron James back on the roster after missing out on 13 games. Despite the 10-point loss against the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers received a huge boost with James back on the team. For the first time in a long time, LeBron started the game on the bench since 2007. LeBron is back from the foot injury he suffered almost a month ago against the Dallas Mavericks.
LeBron’s return timeline was longer than it was initially anticipated. James tore a tendon in his right foot and was advised by two doctors about it. Unfortunately, they gave him the same news about undergoing season-ending surgery. King James was asked why he didn’t get the surgery, and his response was world-class. “Because I went to the LeBron James of feet . . . and he told me I shouldn’t,” James said.
Bron says he went to the “LeBron James of feet” after two doctors recommended season-ending surgery 😳 pic.twitter.com/R3fHCE5L4c
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 26, 2023
LeBron didn’t disclose the name of the doctor who gave him the suggestion. However, the 4x MVP is against the idea of getting surgery. “I don’t know. Right now, I don’t need it,” he said. “So we’ll see what happens. I’ll probably get another MRI at the end of the season and go from there,” James added.
Despite the loss against the Bulls, LeBron managed to play 30 minutes for the Lakers. He put up 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Lakers are surprisingly back in contention of making it to the playoff, as they are 9th in the Western Conference.
LeBron James believes the Lakers can clinch a possible 6th seed
The Lakers are aspiring for a top 6 after a huge chance to clinch the spot. The Lakers reshuffled their roster in the trade and are starting to gel together. In recent games, the Lakers are finding their rhythm and are 6-4.
This is one of the reasons for James’ early return and for adding quality to the team. “We go 8-5 and now we’re sitting at a chance to be able to, ‘Hell with play-in, we actually can be a top-six seed,’ that definitely changed my mindset on me coming back and trying to be a part of this… I don’t wanna say changed my mindset, it just enhanced what I was trying to as far as my workouts and treatment went,” James added in the post-game interview.
“When the doctors told me I was healing faster than anybody before they’ve seen with the injury.” @KingJames‘ response to when he knew he would return from his foot injury. pic.twitter.com/YU0nqhkobj
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 26, 2023
The Lakers have 7 games left in the regular season and have a legitimate chance to go into the top-6. The Lakers will be playing the Bulls again on Thursday away from home and will be looking to rectify last night’s mistakes. We’ll have to wait and see what unfolds for the Lakers in the this last few games.
