LeBron James Responds to Critics in IG Photos After Playing 1st Back-to-Back of Season for Lakers

LeBron James had a message for critics after playing in his first back-to-back of the season.

The Los Angeles Lakers star wrote on Instagram: "No matter if you LOVE or HATE me you will REMEMBER me."

James had a bit of a slow start to the season as he worked his way back from sciatica, which sidelined him for the first 14 games of the season. The 41-year-old has looked about 10 years younger as of late, however, averaging 27.7 points, 7.8 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game in the month of January.

Against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, he put up 31 points, 10 assists and nine boards despite playing the night before.

Hawks-Lakers Full Highlights

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The plan for James initially this season was to work his way up to playing back-to-backs, and it seems he's now gotten to the point where he feels comfortable doing so.

He did say last week that playing in back-to-backs is going to be "TBD" for the rest of the year, though.

"Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD," James said. "I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank it right now, okay?"

As for how James prepares for back-to-backs when he does play in them, he detailed his extensive recovery process on Tuesday.

The Lakers are sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference at 24-14 after losing three of their last four games. Having James on the court every night would be ideal for Los Angeles, but the team would prefer to have the star available in the postseason.