CNN — The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated a triumphant 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, marking the return of superstar LeBron James after two games away due to a foot injury and personal reasons.
The 39-year-old athlete made a significant impact, finishing the game with 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks in just 34 minutes of play. James had set a personal goal for the season: to participate in all 82 games.
‘If it was up to just me, I probably would’ve played,’ James said, expressing his passion for the game. ‘I have a team, and I have to listen to them as well. They look out for my best interest.’
Reflecting on his week off, James shared, ‘A lot of rehabbing, a lot of training to ensure I was ready for tonight. I didn’t want to get too much out of shape.’
Despite the notable absence of James, the Lakers managed to bounce back from a previous loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned that James was granted an ‘excused absence’ amidst discussions about managing his workload and keeping his health a priority.
In addition to James’ performance, Anthony Davis emerged as the star of the night with an impressive 40 points and 16 rebounds. Davis has now achieved at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in three of his last four games, further solidifying his position as a key player for the team.
The Grizzlies struggled offensively against the Lakers’ defense, with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading Memphis with 25 points. Despite their previous four-game winning streak, the Grizzlies could not keep pace with an energized Lakers squad.
As the Lakers sit 10th in the Western Conference, their focus shifts toward maintaining consistency moving forward. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, remain in second place despite the setback.
This match exemplifies the intensity of the NBA season, as teams prepare for upcoming challenges. The Lakers are gearing up for their next game against Sacramento, while the Grizzlies will clash with the Golden State Warriors.
