Lakers' LeBron James Posts Video of 1st Basketball Workout Session Since Knee Injury
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James appears to be recovering nicely from the knee injury he suffered at the end of the season.
James posted an Instagram video of his first basketball workout of the offseason since his injury alongside his former teammate and veteran Miami Heat forward Kevin Love.
"Man it felt good to get back out there today for the first time since my MCL injury(Almost 8 weeks ago). Been at it with my rehab & training [regimen] to get back to form," James wrote in the caption. "Obviously not where I wanna be ultimately but off to a good start. Damn what a GREAT FEELING!! S/O my ♾️ brother @kevinlove for allowing me to crash his workout! And also S/O @cbrickley603 for always looking out when I'm in the city! 🙏🏾🫡 👑"
ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round that James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in the fourth quarter of Game 5. Had Los Angeles been able to extend the series to six games, the 40-year-old would've had to miss a playoff game due to injury for the first time in his career, snapping an NBA-record 292-game streak. A source told McMenamin that the injury required a "three-to-five-week recommended recovery timeline."
James was still at the top of his game during his 21st season in the NBA. He played 70 games and averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists while shooting 51.3 percent from the field. It was his first time playing 70 games in back-to-back seasons since the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons when he was still with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers are hoping that a healthy James and Luka Doncic being together for a full season will help them contend for an NBA championship. The 21-time All-Star has made no secret that he's nearing the end of his legendary career, and he's undoubtedly looking to cap things on a high note.
James is already attacking the offseason with his first workout, so Los Angeles will similarly be driven to make the most out of the summer and build a roster worthy of title contention.
