LeBron James made a triumphant return to the court on Sunday night after a two-game absence, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. James, 39, recorded 18 points in 34 minutes and thrilled fans with his trademark athleticism, delivering a thunderous dunk and executing a classic chasedown block.
However, in a surprising post-game revelation, James disclosed that he has been managing a persistent foot injury for several years—a detail previously unknown to many.
LeBron Opens Up About Lingering Injury
When asked by reporters if he had fully recovered after sitting out two games, James gave a candid response.
“Nah, it’s not behind me,” James said, as reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. “It’s an everyday thing. It’s been lingering for the last few years, but I’ve been able to do a lot of great things to reassure not only that, but also address other things.”
James explained that his most recent absence wasn’t solely due to the chronic foot issue. He also dealt with a bruised quad sustained during the Lakers’ overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks when he collided with teammate Anthony Davis.
“I got kneed in the quad in the Atlanta game at the end of regulation by A.D. That’s now back to 100 percent,” James said. “Probably three days ago it was still pretty sore, but I was able to get that back to 100 (percent), so that was great. I was able to hit a lot of other elements as well.”
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A Battle Behind the Scenes
The revelation that James has been quietly managing a chronic injury adds a new layer of appreciation for his remarkable performances in recent seasons.
Despite dealing with foot issues, James has continued to defy expectations for an athlete in his late 30s. Last season, he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and still plays at an elite level in his 21st year in the league.
Few would have suspected an ongoing injury given his ability to deliver highlight-worthy plays and carry the Lakers through pivotal moments. His durability and dedication to staying in peak condition have been defining traits of his storied career.
A Legacy of Resilience
James’ admission underscores the challenges of maintaining longevity in professional sports. Playing through injuries is nothing new for NBA players, but the ability to sustain excellence while managing a chronic issue is a testament to James’ work ethic and mental toughness.
“It’s an everyday thing,” James reiterated, emphasizing the constant care and management required to keep him on the court. For an athlete already lauded as one of the greatest of all time, the revelation only enhances his legacy.
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What’s Next for LeBron and the Lakers
With his quad injury healed and his foot issue under management, James is set to lead the Lakers into their next matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. The Lakers, currently battling for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, will rely heavily on James’ leadership and contributions as the season progresses.
Fans and analysts alike will now watch James’ performances with a deeper understanding of what he has been enduring behind the scenes. His ability to continue performing at an elite level, despite the physical toll of a two-decade career, solidifies his status as one of the most resilient players in NBA history.
As James approaches his 40th birthday, his ongoing battle with injury serves as a reminder that greatness often comes with sacrifices that go unnoticed by the public.
For LeBron, the fight continues—both against opponents on the court and against the physical challenges that come with being an all-time great.
