Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James has a torn tendon in his right foot and the NBA legend may need surgery this summer, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
If James has surgery, he could be sidelined for two months.
“Lakers superstar LeBron James played the last few months with a torn tendon in his foot that could require surgery this offseason, league sources confirmed to The Athletic,” Charania wrote. “James will undergo further evaluations, but a surgery that could sideline him for two months during the offseason is among the possibilities, sources indicated.
“If surgery is required, James would be expected to recover by the start of training camp next season.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James suffered his foot injury on February 26 against the Dallas Mavericks. The four-time MVP was told by two doctors to undergo season-ending surgery, but LeBron opted not to. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer missed 13 games and made his return to the lineup on March 26 versus the Chicago Bulls.
The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals in four games. James told reporters after the Nuggets series that he may retire this summer, but sources close to LeBron downplayed the notion he would actually retire, per The Athletic.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James has never undergone surgery during his legendary NBA career. It’s incredible that the future Hall of Famer was able to play so well despite being 38 years old and having a serious foot injury. LeBron averaged 25.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists in eight games to close out the regular season after he came back from his injury. The Akron Hammer then put up 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game in the playoffs.
A 19-time All-Star, James signed a two-year extension with the Lakers last summer. The Chosen One has a player option for the 2024-25 season.
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