LeBron James Leads Lakers To Victory, Admits Injury Hell Was 'Toughest Stretch'

LeBron James missed 17 straight games for the Los Angeles Lakers after suffering a groin strain on Christmas Day before returning against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. It was a low key return compared to James’ regular standards but he still ended the night as the top scorer and one assist shy of a triple-double for the Lakers in a close win against their city rivals.

The Lakers star finished with 24 points, 9 assists and 14 rebounds in their 123-120 overtime win against the Clippers at the Staples Center – the home of both the teams. And despite only being cleared on the day of the game and a five-week absence, James played 40 minutes on the night.

The Los Angeles franchise have struggled without James in the last one month having dropped from fourth in the Western Conference when he last played to being currently ninth – one place out of the playoff positions. Head coach Luke Walton will hope the return of the three-time NBA champion and other injury boosts like Rajon Rondo also back on the court will help them make up ground on the teams above them.

James was given clearance to practice over two weeks back, but made it clear that he will only return when he felt ready as the forward did not want to risk aggravating the injury and spending an added amount of time on the sidelines.

The win over the Clippers will see them remain in ninth place, but the gap is now down to one game between the two teams. It was a team effort from the Lakers with Brandon Ingram, Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo playing key roles in their victory.

Ingram ended the night with 19 points, Stephenson got 20 points, while Rondo contributed with 14 points, 7 assists and 13 rebounds to get them back to winning ways. The Lakers now head on a five-game road trip that will see them take on the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks before returning home to face the Houston Rockets on Feb. 21.

James admitted immediately after the game that he was playing at 80 precent, according to Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell, via Spectrum SN, and is expected to immediately start treatment and see how the small forward feels tomorrow.

The Lakers star admitted that missing 17 games through injury has been the toughest stretch of his career but is glad to be back and revealed that he gradually ramped up his intensity during the game despite being sidelined for over a month.

James also praised his teammates after the win while reserving special mention for Lance Stephenson, who was very influential off the bench. The forward’s immediate focus was on getting his rhythm back as they prepare for the upcoming road trip beginning against the reigning champions in Oakland on Saturday.