27 March 2023 , 14:57
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The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed back LeBron James on Sunday night, despite fears that he could be ruled out until the end of the season.
Following a month on the sidelines, James returned to the court as he looks to help the Lakers in the final two weeks of the regular season, although his 19 points wasn't enough to inspire victory on the night. The Lakers lost 118-108 to the Chicago Bulls, but they're still in the hunt for a play-off spot.
After suffering a torn tendon in his right foot, James was advised to have surgery by medical professionals and end his season prematurely. But James stated he went to see the "LeBron James of feet", and now he's set his mind on postseason basketball.
James wasn't in the starting line-up for only the second time in his 20-year NBA career on Sunday, but many were surprised to even see him in the building to face the Bulls. James seemingly ignored advice from doctors to undergo season-ending surgery, and instead decided to seek evaluation from an unnamed professional.
In an interview after the game, James confirmed that two doctors told him to get surgery before disclosing the reason why he ignored their advice. "Because I went to the LeBron James of feet and he told me I shouldn't," James said.
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James was then asked if he would seek surgery after the season, and replied: "I don't know, I don't need it now so let's see what happens. I'll get another MRI but if I do then you guys won't know. I don't talk and I'll be fine for the next season."
There were concerns that the Lakers could crumble without James, but they actually climbed up the rankings without him in a wide open Western Conference and still have a chance of making the play-offs. But James is already looking past that, as he targets glory this season.
"To hell with the play-in; we actually can be a top-eight seed," James said. "That definitely changed my mindset on me coming back and trying to be a part of this. ... I don't really want to say changed my mindset; it just enhanced what I was trying to do as far as my workouts, as far as my treatment and everything."
Head coach Darvin Ham is still wary about bringing James back in too soon, but he'll have a tough time keeping the NBA icon out. "There will be times and opportunities to make sure we're all on the same pace re-implementing him back into the lineup," Ham said. "He's a savvy veteran, one of the greatest to ever do it, over 20 years, so it's not going to take much."