MEMPHIS — LeBron James said he will prioritize his health over the regular season's quest for a playoff seed for the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I had to react smartly,” James said after the Lakers' 136-124 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. “If I wasn’t healthy or [anywhere] Even if it's close to healthy, it's not good for our ball club anyway. That's not good for me. ”
James returned from missing one game with a sore left ankle that has been a problem for the 21-year veteran for several months, but recorded his fourth triple-double of the season with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 rebounds. Assisted against the Grizzlies.
LA extended its winning streak to a season-best five games and currently sits in ninth place in the Western Conference standings with nine games left in the regular season.
But the fact that James rested his ankle the night before the Lakers' 128-124 double-overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks may affect his long-term availability. He said this is proof that he will not jeopardize his profits.
“I mean, I probably would have tried to play yesterday as well.” [in Milwaukee] If so,” James, 39, said.
James has missed 10 games this season, and Los Angeles went 6-4 in his absence, but the last time a James team was above .500 without him was in 2012-13. First since the Miami Heat. But the four-time MVP, who has played in 282 playoff games without missing a single game, doesn't want to put his team in that position during its most important game.
“Be very strategic,” James said of deciding when to play and when to rest. “Obviously you have to understand and watch how your ankles and feet feel, but obviously be very sensible about it. Our health is always most important to our ball club, not just one individual. But for me, when it comes to injuries, it's about taking care of yourself, knowing your feet, knowing how your ankles are doing. It's always a matter of keeping a close watch to see how they react and what has happened over the past few years.”
Anthony Davis, who came on as a substitute in the 52nd minute against the Bucks on Wednesday, took a similar approach and opted to sit out because of a hyperextended left knee.
Lakers coach Dervin Ham said the team will get a feel for Davis' knee on Thursday before determining whether he is ready to play Friday against the Indiana Pacers.
In Davis' absence, Rui Hachimura recorded 32 points and 10 rebounds, including a career-high seven 3-pointers against Memphis.
Hachimura said he was reminded of his offensive breakout performance in the first round of the playoffs against Memphis last spring.
“Today, when I came here this morning, I had a flashback of everything from last year,” Hachimura said. “It's playoff time. … I have good memories here and we played some very good games. I think I'm happy to be back here. It's been almost a year.”
That's exactly what he hopes his team will do as the final weeks of the regular season come to a close: be at their best when it really matters.
“I don't think any team in the league really wants to see us other than a couple,” Lakers forward Taurean Prince said. “We know what we're capable of and I think everyone else does too. It's just a matter of us being consistent.”
