LeBron James returned to the Los Angeles Lakers’ lineup on Sunday after a two-game absence.
The 39-year-old had been struggling with a left foot injury of late while simultaneously dealing with ‘personal issues’.
‘King James’, now in his 22nd season in the league, finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in his return to NBA action.
Teammate Anthony Davis also tied season highs with 40 points and 16 rebounds in a 116-100 win against the Memphis Grizzlies.
James’ recent eight-day lay off was a rare mid-season break for the usually bulletproof four-time champion.
LeBron, just a few weeks shy of his 40th birthday, has proven himself to be one of the most robust and machine-like athletes in the history of basketball, spending millions on his body and rarely missing games.
However, his recent break was much needed amid a downturn in form, and ‘The King’ was evidently able to return to the hardwood revitalised and re-energized.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who enjoyed a 15-year NBA career of his own, is aware of what James bring to the table but also understands the importance of managing his minutes and games.
“I think every player should want to play in every game. That should be the goal,” Redick told media before the Grizzlies game.
“Within an NBA season, for guys that play heavy minutes, there are times when you need a break. It’s just a reality.”
Redick also reflected on longevity in general, particularly at the upper echelons of elite sport.
He reminisced about his own career and how difficult it is for all-timers like LeBron, NFL icon Tom Brady, and tennis great Roger Federer to sustain excellence over a period of decades.
“I played 15 [seasons] and was emotionally, mentally, physically drained, fried. I put everything I had into this game. I had nothing left,” Redick recounted.
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“For guys like him and the Tom Bradys of the world, the Roger Federers of the world, it’s hard to comprehend having that level of sustained excellence for so long, because of the toll that it takes on all of you, not just your body.”
“I think it’s different for every player. You have to recognize your physical limitations, but then rely on your mental edge. And it’s the accumulated experience and knowledge that you have from playing a long time. I felt that to a degree at the end,” Redick added.
“Vince Carter was a completely different player at 39, 40 than he was at 25. I don’t know that. . .LeBron is like a completely different player. LeBron shot more threes, he shot a higher percentage and he continues to use his mind as well as his body to excel.”
LeBron admitted he was initially reluctant to step away from basketball related activities as the Lakers continue to fight for a better playoff seeding in the loaded Western Conference.
“If it was up to just me, I probably would’ve played,” said James. “It would’ve been hard to keep me away from it.
“I have a team and I got to listen to them as well. They look out for my best interest.”
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LeBron also provided some insight into what he got up to during his eight-day break.
“A lot of rehabbing, a lot of training still to make sure that I was ready to go tonight,” James revealed. “Didn’t want to get too much out of shape.”
James grew into the game against the Grizzlies after displaying signs of rustiness.
He was still able to throw down a few signature dunks, but after the game revealed that his foot injury is still not entirely in the rear view mirror.
“It’s not behind me,” James said. “It’s an every day thing. … But I was able to do some great things (on my break).”
The four-time Finals MVP was averaging 23 points on 49.5 percent shooting (35.9 percent from 3), 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds before Sunday’s game.
Moving forward, Redick said the pair will be in constant conversation about rest so James can avoid missing big stretches of games.
“Not necessarily less minutes, but shorter runs so that he’s not getting gassed and then quicker segments on the bench and then he’s back in,” Redick said.
The Lakers have a 14-12 record so far this season, good enough for 10th in the Western Conference.
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