James gives positive signals about his knee injury, and the Lakers are happy

According to Nico Martinez, a contributor to US sports media F/W. James has been a beacon for health and longevity throughout his career, but it was unavoidable even after he suffered a left knee injury this year in the NBA playoffs. Fortunately, according to James, his recovery was going well, even if he still didn't reach the level he wanted.

"As I said last time, things are getting better. However, things are getting better," James said on the Mind the Game podcast. "It's the most challenging thing. Even though I can't do much lower body stuff, I'm still in the upper body like I'm in the weight room. One thing I can do is ride like a fixed bike, just to keep the blood flowing, and things like that, keep the knees as flexible as possible. But I'm not a guy who likes to sit there. I'm energetic, I hate sitting there, so it's certainly, nearly two weeks after the season ends, they always tell you to take a break, and I'm not that person. I'm definitely going crazy right now."

This year's NBA playoff injury, the Los Angeles Lakers were hit at their worst. James fell in contact with Divinchenzo in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which almost eliminated any hope of a reverse victory to extend the series. LeBron, who struggles to ensure his endurance, has never missed a playoff game, and he rarely misses regular season games. In the 2024-25 season, James, 40, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, shooting 51.3% from the field. He was healthy until the second round against the Timberwolves, when the Lakers' season got a bad one.

In Game 5 of the series, James was later diagnosed with a grade 2 medial collateral ligament sprain, recovering from 3-5 weeks. The Lakers were eliminated before LeBron missed a game, but he said he wouldn't play again even if the Lakers managed to extend the series. He also said that this was a pain he had never had before.

Entering a critical offseason, LeBron and his health will be the core of everything the Lakers do. When he and Doncic prepare for their first full season, Pelinka has promised to build the best roster for them. The plan starts with adding a center and then building a role roster so that James can retreat more to the second line in his 23rd season. If Luca and other role players can fulfill their roles, James can complete the final stages of his career in a way that enhances his achievements.

Regardless of the outcome, health is the most important thing for LeBron, whose recent knee injury has lost the Lakers a potential playoff journey. Now that he's getting stronger and feeling better, he can go back to the gym and make sure he's one step ahead of the game.