After returning yesterday in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-100 win over the Memphis Grizzlies following an eight-day layoff, LeBron James said he had to be convinced to take time away from the team to address his sore left foot.
“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 coach JJ Redick said James’ absence was for personal reasons and gave the star space during the time he missed — telling reporters he was unaware of how the league’s all-time leading scorer spent the week-long break.
James shed some clarity on the situation after putting up 18 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 blocks in 34 minutes against the Grizzlies.
“A lot of rehabbing, a lot of training still to make sure that I was ready to go tonight,” James said. “Didn’t want to get too much out of shape.”
By failing to advance to Las Vegas and defend their NBA Cup championship, the Lakers’ schedule had just two games during a 10-day stretch from Dec. 9-18, allowing James to prioritize his health without missing too much game action.
“I had an opportunity to take more days and get my mind, body and everything where I wanted it to be for tonight,” he said. “And it worked out.”
The payoff was almost immediate, with James throwing down a dunk on one end, sprinting back to block Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s shot from behind on the other and then scoring on a tip-in on the ensuing possession all in the span of 19 seconds in the first quarter.
“Had some energy, which kind of brought energy to us,” said Anthony Davis, who tied season highs with 40 points and 16 rebounds, playing through a stinger injury to his left shoulder. “He’s obviously dealing with some stuff. But I think a week off kind of just let him heal and get back right.”
