After suffering injuries in four of his first five seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has done a relatively good job of staying healthy and being available this season. But it doesn’t mean it’s been easy for him.
He has been dealing with a troublesome left ankle for most of the season, and on occasion, he has had to sit out in order to manage it. That was the case on Tuesday when he didn’t play against the Milwaukee Bucks. Without him, L.A. still managed to overcome a 19-point deficit and win in two overtimes.
James was back in action on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, and he posted a triple-double to help his team win its fifth straight game. Afterward, he said he’s prioritizing his health over the Lakers getting as high a postseason seed as possible (h/t ESPN.com).
"Our health has always been the most important thing for our ballclub." LeBron James on managing injuries in the final stretch on the season. pic.twitter.com/ZcST3ShmEX
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 28, 2024
“I got to be smart with it,” James said. “If I’m not healthy, or (anywhere) close to being healthy, then it’s not good for our ballclub anyway. It’s not good for me.”
The 39-year-old has played in 63 of the Lakers’ 73 games this season. He continues to play at an elite level, especially when it comes to his shooting efficiency, and needless to say, the Lakers will need him to maintain that level of play if they are to go on a serious playoff run.