PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 22: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Why did Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James not undergo surgery for his torn tendon before returning to action? Learn all there is to know.
Only a month on from breaking the all-time scoring record in the NBA, LeBron James had only played a handful of games in the NBA – and even failed to rack up any significant time in the All-Star game. However, James made his return from a torn tendon injury on Sunday night.
The Lakers superstar made his return to the court Sunday after missing 13 games with a tendon injury in his right foot. He tallied 19 points, three assists and eight rebounds in his first game since Feb. 26, where the Lakers lost 118-108 to the Chicago Bulls at the Crypto.com Arena. The severity of James’ injury was kept unclear while he was inactive.
As it turns out, James narrowly avoided getting surgery on the foot, despite the urging of multiple doctors. His reasoning for passing on surgery was simple, and kind of funny: James met with the “LeBron James of feet.” According to LeBron, he was advised to not take surgery for his torn tendon by someone with unparalleled expertise in the subject matter. LeBron did not identify the person.
James said that there’s a good chance that he will get surgery after the season ends and that he should be good to go by the start of next season.
James clarified to reporters that he suffered a torn tendon in his right foot, an injury that can take over a month to recover from and can sometimes require surgery. He also said that doctors told him that he recovered quickly from the injury.
Even despite the loss to the Bulls on Sunday, the Lakers players as well as the fans will be buoyed by the return of their talisman – as they hope to qualify for the post-season.
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