Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James said his first week on the court after a prolonged injury absence felt like a personal training camp, underscoring the benefits of rare in-season practice time.
James missed the opening 14 games of the regular season with sciatica on his right side before returning last Tuesday in a home win over the Utah Jazz. A built-in four-day break preceded Sunday’s rematch at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, giving the 23-year veteran a chance to practice with teammates—an opportunity that is uncommon during the NBA schedule.
In Sunday’s 105-99 victory, the 41-year-old posted 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists. “The only way to get back in basketball shape is to play the basketball game,” James said. “I’m in great shape physically, but as far as my wind, I have to keep working. And it doesn’t help that it’s my second game back playing in Utah altitude.”
The Lakers are 2-0 since James returned, although they withstood a late 12-2 Jazz run over the final 3:30 on Sunday. Los Angeles will face the LA Clippers on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena.
James recently became the first player to appear in 23 NBA seasons. Before his return, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves guided the Lakers to a 10-4 start. Questions about how much longer James will play persist; longtime friend and former teammate Kevin Love believes the four-time MVP has at least one more season left after this one.
Source: Lakers Nation
