Spears: Lakers’ LeBron James ‘Playing on 1 Leg’ in Playoffs as a consequence of Ankle Injury

LeBron James told reporters earlier this season that he would likely never be 100 percent but again at this stage of his profession as he recovered from a high ankle sprain, although he later walked those feedback inspire considerably. 

But possibly he became additionally offering some postseason foreshadowing. 

“We are going to be able to possess to be troubled about LeBron James,” The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears acknowledged on Thursday’s version of The Leap. “He became presupposed to be the level guard. I am listening to he is having fun with on one leg.”

James, 36, performed 35 minutes in the Lakers’ 103-100 map shut over the Golden Affirm Warriors in the play-in tournament Wednesday evening, which guaranteed L.A. the No. 7 seed and a prime-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns. 

He scored 22 aspects (7-of-17 FG) to slip alongside with 11 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, hitting the game-a hit three with staunch under a minute remaining. But he did now not notice 100 percent all by the competition after lacking 27 games in the long-established season. 

“I knew I wasn’t going to get inspire to 100 percent. It is very unlikely,” James acknowledged in April. “I assemble now now not deem I will ever get inspire to 100 percent in my profession.”

Given his age and the unimaginable mileage he is gathered in his profession—9 journeys to the NBA Finals in 10 years, including four titles, can the truth is buy their toll—those remarks made sense. 

But it surely’s LeBron, so they took on a lifetime of their possess.

“No topic I mutter gets blown out of context,” he told reporters last weekend. “As soon as I step on an NBA floor for the first time, I went to 99.9 percent.”

In accordance with Spears, however, James will now now not be anyplace shut to 99.9 percent. This would possibly possibly possibly no doubt be a storyline worth monitoring as the Lakers strive to repeat as champions.