NBA emphasizing ’82-game’ mindset to players

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James appear to have been on different pages on his injury timeline as he returned from his foot injury on Sunday earlier than expected.

James missed 13 games before returning from the torn tendon in his right foot.

James said he consulted with a doctor who is “the LeBron James of feet.” James declined to close the doctor’s name or where he practices.

“He told me I shouldn’t [get surgery],” James said.

Last week, James Tweeted a stern response to the announcement from the Lakers that he was reevaluated.

There wasn’t an evaluation today and there hasn’t been any target date for my return. I’m just working around the clock, every day(3X a day) to give myself to best chance of coming back full strength whenever that is. God bless y’all sources. 🤦ðŸ?¾?♂ï¸? I speak for myself!

– LeBron James (@KingJames) March 23, 2023

Before the game, James sat before his locker tying his shoes and listening to music through headphones.

“Stay the f- up out my business,” James yelled and repeated as he quoted lyrics of the song he was listening to, according to The Athletic.

James said surgery remains possible after the season.

“I don’t know,” James said. “Right now, I don’t need it, so we’ll see what happens. I’ll probably get another MRI at the end of the season and go from there. But if I end up having to get surgery after the season, you guys won’t know. I don’t talk to you guys in the offseason, and by the time next season starts, I’ll be fine. I’ll be ready to go.”