LeBron James took a step back from the court during a crucial moment in his season.
This time, the break was off the hardwood.
He was feeling fatigued. A nagging issue with his left foot was persistent, and his quadriceps were sore.
Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ exit from the NBA Cup, James seized the opportunity to rest during a rare stretch where the team had only two games scheduled over a ten-day period from December 9 to 18.
He opted out of the Lakers’ last two matchups against Portland and Minnesota, effectively gaining eight days of much-needed recovery time. The official reason for his absence was his foot pain, but as he approaches his 40th birthday on December 30, it was clear that he needed a break.
“It’s very rare to get a break in the schedule like that,” James remarked. “So, it was an easy decision for me, the team, and my trainer to take advantage of those days for everything.” In his return, he contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the Lakers’ 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
This break was perfectly timed.
James had recently transitioned from being named Team USA’s MVP at the Paris Olympics—where he led his team to gold—only to struggle with a shooting slump, missing 20 consecutive three-pointers over five games. Lakers head coach JJ Redick noted that James had even requested substitutions during games this season, admitting he was feeling “gassed.”
Such fatigue is understandable.
As one of only two players in NBA history to reach a 22nd season, James had a packed summer. He went from a first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets in late April to Team USA training camp in July, the Olympics later that month, and back to Lakers training camp in September.
While he has built a reputation for defying age, it became evident that fatigue was momentarily gaining the upper hand.
The time off proved beneficial. Just two minutes into his return game, he executed a running one-handed dunk, followed by a block and a tip-in. He nearly achieved a triple-double, supporting Anthony Davis, who scored 40 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, in halting the Grizzlies’ impressive run of winning 10 out of their last 11 games.
James’ recent struggles with shooting and increased turnovers had sparked discussions among fans and analysts about whether his age was finally catching up with him.
Critics are quick to sharpen their knives at the first sign of a decline in his performance.
James has always expressed a desire to play as long as his body and mind allow him. It was evident that both needed a moment to recharge, which Redick fully recognized.
“I played 15 seasons and felt emotionally, mentally, and physically drained,” Redick shared. “For athletes like him, Chris Paul, Tom Brady, and Roger Federer, maintaining such a high level of excellence for so long takes a toll on every aspect of their being, not just physically.”
James was granted time away from the team for “personal reasons,” and he certainly made the most of it.
“I focused on rehab and training to ensure I was ready for Sunday,” James explained. “I didn’t want to fall too far out of shape.”
The break allowed him to recover from a sore quadriceps injury sustained when Anthony Davis inadvertently kneed him during a game against Atlanta. His foot issue? He described it as a persistent nuisance.
“No, it’s not behind me,” James stated. “It’s something I deal with every day. It’s been lingering for a few years.”
James had previously expressed intentions to play all 82 games this season, but it became apparent that this was not feasible. He took the time to focus on his physical health and mental well-being. He was able to watch his son, Bronny, score a career-high 30 points in a G League game and even made a guest appearance on his wife’s podcast, “Everybody’s Crazy,” sharing a laugh.
In essence, he stepped back to prioritize his well-being.
LeBron James remains a formidable player, still capable of achieving a triple-double on any given night and possessing the athleticism of someone much younger.
He simply needed a moment to rest and recharge.
And, like many pivotal moments in his career, he was wise enough to take this opportunity as well.
