Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is back in the lineup after missing the first 14 games of the regular season due to a sciatica on his right side. He returned last Tuesday in a home game against the Utah Jazz, in part because of the built-in four days off between that game and Sunday night’s affair against the Jazz in Salt Lake City.
That meant LeBron got to play in a game, then have legitimate practice time before playing again. Full-scale practices are rare during the NBA season given the condensed schedule, but it was perfect timing for James. On Sunday, he built upon his season debut with 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists.
The 23rd-year Lakers star spoke about getting his legs back under him, and what it’s been like to be back in action and get a full week of practices between games, via Khobi Price of the Southern California News Group:
“The only way to get back in basketball shape is to be playing the basketball game,” said James, who scored most of his points on fast breaks and strong drives to the basket. “So, I’m in great shape physically. But as far as my wind, I got to [keep working]. And it doesn’t help that it’s my second game back playing in Utah altitude. It doesn’t help that’s for sure. So every game I’ll get better and better. My wind will get better and better. But this week was kind of like my training camp for me, to be honest. I didn’t get an opportunity to practice with the guys at all throughout camp, throughout the preseason. So I’m still working my way back.”
While they were playing the Jazz, the Lakers are 2-0 with James in the lineup. And outside of a short collapse at the end of Sunday’s game — a 12-2 run in the final 3:30 of the game — the Lakers have looked like a strong team with their star trio all healthy and available.
And it seems that LeBron is only going to get stronger as the year goes on, even if that requires some load management for the 41-year-old. L.A. plays again — back at Crypto.com Arena — on Tuesday night against the L.A. Clippers.
Kevin Love predicts when LeBron James will retire
LeBron James recently reached another milestone in his illustrious career, becoming the first player to appear in 23 NBA seasons.
James’ season debut was highly anticipated, given how strong L.A. came out of the gate to begin this season. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves shouldered a considerable amount of the load, and it led to a 10-4 record before the 40-year-old took the court.
When James returned, he fit right in and showed that he can still play winning basketball in his 23rd season. Naturally though, people are wondering how much longer he will be able to do this.
With Doncic ready to embrace this franchise and lead them for the foreseeable future, it’s possible that this is LeBron’s final season.
A close friend and teammate of his, Kevin Love, believes James has at least one more after this one though.
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