Although many are optimistic and excited about the Los Angeles Lakers’ chances of winning another NBA championship this season, there have been two big questions about LeBron James. Is he fully healthy following last season’s right foot injury? Will he regain his prior speed and explosiveness?
He sat out for about four weeks in late February and March due to the injury. After he returned, he played reasonably well, but his burst was noticeably limited, especially in open court situations. James said on media day he had worked to get his right foot back to where it was before the injury, but the proof would come during actual basketball activities.
With training camp fully underway, head coach Darvin Ham said James has not only regained his burst but he “looks like third or fourth year LeBron.”
Darvin Ham said “without question” LeBron has his pre-foot injury burst back. “He’s 100% healthy…He looks like 3rd or 4th Year LeBron.”
Ham said the help around LeBron should allow him keep that burst throughout the season, so when the Lakers “get to our destination, he’ll be… pic.twitter.com/1fzatbfwq8
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) October 4, 2023
Ham noted how James is smart and wise enough to pick his spots now, allowing him to save his explosiveness for the right moments, especially with all the offensive help he suddenly has.
This is very good news for the Lakers and their fans as the start of the 2023-24 regular season approaches.