This past summer, everyone knew Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was going to be a man on a mission during the 2019-20 season.

After missing the playoffs last season for the first time since his second year in the league, James sat back all offseason and heard all these pundits slander his name.

As he always does, though, James took the high road and just focused on what he can control. Now that he's healthy again and has Anthony Davis by his side, The King and the Lakers are back in the playoffs:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9cKVFIgbHB/

James averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 55 games last season while shooting 51.0 percent from the floor, 33.9 percent from beyond the arc and 66.5 percent from the free-throw line. The four-time MVP most likely leads the Lakers to the playoffs if he doesn’t hurt his groin on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors.

The groin injury forced James to miss 17 consecutive games. The Lakers went 6-11 during that stretch and fell out of the playoff picture out West.

LeBron has been fresh and active this season for the Lakers on both ends of the court now that his groin is healthy.

The Lakers are back in action on Sunday against the L.A. Clippers. The Purple and Gold are 0-2 against Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers this season.

James is averaging 25.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.7 assists on the season. He’s shooting 49.9 percent from the field, 34.7 percent from beyond the arc and 69.8 percent from the free-throw line.