LeBron James’ Left Foot Injury Is ‘An Everyday’ Thing: ‘It’s Not Behind Me’

NBA legend LeBron James returned to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup against the Memphis Grizzlies following an eight-day layoff.

LeBron played 34 minutes and finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, helping the Lakers defeat the Grizzlies for their 14th win of the season. 

After the game, LeBron talked about what he did during his break, revealing that his left foot injury is “an everyday thing.”

“A lot of rehabbing, a lot of training still to make sure that I was ready to go tonight,” LeBron said. “Didn’t want to get too much out of shape. I had an opportunity to take more days and get my mind, body and everything where I wanted it to be for tonight. And it worked out.”

LeBron, 39, is the oldest player in the NBA. He turns 40 on December 30. 

“It’s not behind me,” LeBron said of his foot issue. “It’s an everyday thing.”

LeBron has played in 24 games this season. He’s averaging 22.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks while shooting 49.2% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 74.3% from the free-throw line. 

The Lakers are 14-12 on the season. They are in 10th place in the Western Conference standings. 

LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.

LeBron, who grew up idolizing Michael Jordan, is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, seventh in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating.

LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.