LeBron James downplayed his two-game absence from the Lakers due to foot soreness after his return in Sunday’s 116-110 victory over the Grizzlies.
The four-time champ, who was excused by the Lakers for “person reasons,” explained that he made sure to keep his body and mind right while away from the team.
“A lot of rehabbing, a lot of training still,” James, 39, told reporters after the game at Crypto.com Arena. “I made sure that I was ready to go tonight so I didn’t want to get too much out of shape.”
James recorded 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in 34 minutes after being away from the team for eight days.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked James — who turns 40 at the end this month — if his 22nd season has been “mentally taxing” while trying to lead this Lakers team.
“No, no different from any other year,” James said. “The season is always… Every year has its own challenges and this year is no different.”
James said his left foot soreness is “not behind me” and that it’s “an everyday thing.”
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer added that his time off also gave him a window to recover from a quad injury he suffered in the Lakers’ L.A.’s 134-132 overtime loss to the Hawks on Dec. 6. That was his last game before his excused absence.
“I had an opportunity to take more days and get my mind, body and everything where I wanted it to be for tonight,” James said. “And it worked out.”
James only missed two games due to the Lakers being eliminated from the NBA Cup.
“If it was up to just me, I probably would’ve played,” said James, who came into the season stating his goal to play in all 82 games in his 22nd year in the NBA. “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.”
Lakers power forward Anthony Davis, who played through a left shoulder injury, explained that the Lakers were energized with James back in the lineup.
“Had some energy, which kind of brought energy to us,” said Davis, who tied season highs with 40 points and 16 rebounds. “He’s obviously dealing with some stuff. But I think a week off kind of just let him heal and get back right.”
Lakers first-year head coach JJ Redick told reporters he gave James space during his absence, and that he wasn’t aware of James’ routine while away from the team.
Redick added that he will adjust the flow of James’ playing time so that he’s not gassed during games moving forward.
“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 (14-12) play the Kings (13-13) in Sacramento on Thursday.
