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LA Lakers star forward LeBron James made a surprise return on Sunday against Chicago, coming off the bench for the first time since 2007. James has been out since February 26 due to a right foot tendon injury and has shut down rumors about his potential return date. As a result, there was skepticism about whether he would even be able to return before the end of the regular season.
Following the Lakers’ 118-108 loss to Chicago, James spoke about his injury, explaining that two doctors pushed him to get season-ending surgery. However, he added that he opted against surgery after getting another opinion:
“I went to the LeBron James of feet. And he told me I shouldn’t (get surgery),” James said.
James also spoke about how he felt during his workouts throughout the past week, explaining that his conditioning continually improved leading up to Sunday’s game:
“I felt confident in the workouts that I had this week,” James said.
“And the day after the workouts, when I woke up, stepped out down off the bed, I could possibly play today. And after my workout early before the game today, I knew I could play,” James continued.
How did LeBron James fare in his return from injury?
In his return, LeBron James finished with a team-high 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists on 54.5% shooting in 30 minutes off the bench. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Lakers struggled throughout the game, trailing by as many as 20 points in the second quarter.
The Bulls were led by star shooting guard Zach LaVine, who finished with 32 points, two rebounds, and four assists on 68.4% shooting.
Following the game, Lakers coach Darvin Ham said his team didn’t bring enough energy out of the gate:
“We came out a little flat, turned the ball over early, just weren't aggressive enough, physical enough,” Ham said.
However, Ham was encouraged by James' play in his first game back:
“You could see him getting his rhythm, his timing, his finishes, all of that,” Ham said.
“He's a savvy veteran, one of the greatest ever to do it, so it's not going to take all that much,” Ham continued.
The loss snapped the Lakers’ (37-38, ninth in the West) three-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, the Bulls (36-38, 10th in the East) have won seven of their last nine games.
LA will next play on Wednesday in a rematch against Chicago.
The Bulls will next play on Monday against the LA Clippers (39-36, fifth in the West).
Guess the Lakers players!
