LeBron James returns in Lakers’ win against Memphis, says team asked him to take break

Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James made a return to action after eight days layoff and said the management wanted him to take a break to manage his left foot injury. James didn’t play against Portland Trail Blazers on last Sunday due to soreness in his left foot but missed Wednesday practice due to personal reasons before he was ruled out of Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Lakers registered a 116-110 win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday with James scoring 18 points.

“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.”

Furthermore, James claimed eight rebounds and as many assists on his return.

“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.”

The veteran said it was a welcome break for him and he is happy to make the most out of it.

“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.”

On the other hand, Anthony Davis was the star performer for the Lakers with 40 points and 16 rebounds.

“Had some energy, which kind of brought energy to us,” said Anthony Davis of James, “He’s obviously dealing with some stuff. But I think a week off kind of just let him heal and get back right.”

The team’s head coach JJ Redick showered praise on LeBron James for playing a key role in team’s defensive strategy.

“He’s the best on our team with his attention to detail and shifts,” Redick said. “An important part of us having a good team defense is his talk and his effort level on that.”

The Lakers will next take on the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.