Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James acknowledged that his right foot and ankle remain compromised nearly five years after the high-ankle sprain he sustained against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2020-21 campaign.
Speaking with reporters during the 2025-26 season, the 41-year-old veteran traced his ongoing discomfort to the March 20, 2021 incident in which then-Hawk Solomon Hill dove for a loose ball and collided with James’ lower leg.
Long-Term Impact of the 2021 Sprain
“For sure. My foot and my ankle ain’t been the same since,” James said, adding that he has been “fighting uphill to get it back to normal.” The four-time MVP emphasized that the injury disrupted what he believed was one of the best stretches of his career.
James briefly re-entered the 2021 contest to sink a three-pointer—raising his total to 10 points and preserving a then-ongoing double-digit scoring streak—before exiting for good. He went on to miss 20 games, and the Lakers’ title defense ended in the first round that postseason.
Managing Pain in 2025-26
This season, James has cited the same foot as a lingering concern, describing it as typical wear and tear but conceding it stems from the original sprain. Despite regular treatment, he has continued to appear in most games.
Focus on Current Playoff Series
Los Angeles trails the Houston Rockets in a first-round matchup, and Houston players have publicly claimed they are the superior team. James dismissed the talking points, relying on his extensive postseason experience as the Lakers attempt to advance.
Source: LakersNation.com
