The Los Angeles Lakers might've missed out on the playoffs after a very disappointing season, but LeBron James played at a ridiculous level for a 37-year-old. At first glance, it would be hard to know he was playing through various injuries, but that was certainly the case throughout the campaign.
James missed the last few games for the Lakers due to an ankle injury that he sustained in late March against the New Orleans Pelicans. Once LA was out of contention for the play-in, he decided to sit out. On Monday, The King talked to the media and revealed just how serious the ankle problem really is.
Via Michael Corvo of ClutchPoints:
LeBron said his MRI on his ankle on Friday revealed he didn't need surgery, but he has to stay off it for 4-6 weeks. He said he has doctor's appointments lined up to look at his knee and his groin. He said he hopes to avoid surgery in those areas.
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) April 11, 2022
Any time you can avoid surgery, it's a huge positive. The Lakers star will now have to rest for 4-6 weeks. That gives him time to wind down and enjoy the offseason before getting back down to business. James featured in 56 of the team's 82 games in 2021-22, averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. He was also sidelined because of an abdominal and knee injury earlier in the season.
The Lakers vet also revealed that he actually made the ankle worse after playing in the next game where he tweaked it, but it was such an important matchup that he felt an obligation to give it a go. Per Harrison Faigen:
https://twitter.com/hmfaigen/status/1513562671177613313
To be frank, there is no doubt LeBron is fighting through various aches and pains every night, but he's clearly used to it. With the way he's playing, there isn't any reason for him to stop anytime soon, but The King does need to be more patient with his body heading into Year 20.
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