The Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James reportedly played through a torn tendon in his foot for the past several months. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, James might need to undergo surgery this offseason in order to resolve the issue.
James is expected to gather several opinions on the best way to handle the injury before deciding on the next step. In case he does get surgery, he would be expected to return in time for the start of training camp for the 2023-24 NBA season.
James tore the tendon in his right foot in February during the 108-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks. At the time, he was reportedly recommended to have the procedure that would end his season. Instead, the 38-year-old player opted for rehabbing and ended up missing only four weeks before returning to court.
While James performed at a high level after returning, there is no doubt that the injury had some impact on his game. He helped the Lakers embark on a run that saw them clinch a playoff spot and reach the NBA Western Conference Finals, where they were swept in four games by the Denver Nuggets. James averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists during the postseason.
Shortly after the Lakers exited the playoffs, James shocked the NBA world by saying that he would take some time to think about his future and that retiring from professional basketball wasn’t out of the question. However, sources close to the player say that the statement was made in the heat of the moment and that James will almost certainly return for the 2023-24 campaign.
