Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James made his return to the court during Sunday’s 118-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls after he missed the last 13 games due to a foot injury, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
James consulted with a doctor that he called “the LeBorn James of feet” and says that he was assured he’d be able to return this season from a torn tendon in his right foot. Two other doctors recommended that James undergo surgery to address the issue, but James opted to rely on rehab and training to make his way back to the court.
“He told me I shouldn’t [get surgery],” James said following the game.
James scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished 3 assists during the game, but also had 5 turnovers.
“Obviously, the rhythm is the most important,” James said. “I had a couple of drives and the ball got away from me. A couple of shots didn’t feel as good as before, obviously. But I was out for four weeks, so between that and the wind, just trying to get those things back leading to the final stretch of the season.”
“You could see him getting his rhythm, his timing, his finishes, all of that,” Lakers big man Anthony Davis said. “He’s going to be all right. We’re going to be all right. … It was great to see him back out there.”
“To hell with the play-in; we actually can be a top-eight seed,” James said. “That definitely changed my mindset on me coming back and trying to be a part of this. … I don’t really want to say changed my mindset; it just enhanced what I was trying to do as far as my workouts, as far as my treatment and everything.”
