Stephen A. Smith passionately defended LeBron James against criticism for taking a week off to rest and recover.
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith recently came to LeBron James’ defense on an episode of First Take. James had been absent from games for eight days due to personal reasons, and Smith argued that the NBA superstar deserved time off whenever he needed it.
Smith emphasized that James is approaching the age of 40 and has played an incredible number of games and minutes throughout his career. Given his remarkable dedication and contributions to the sport, Smith believes LeBron James has earned the right to take time off whenever he feels necessary, particularly during the regular season.
God forbid he took time off… LeBron James is approaching 40, he’s earned it, he wants to take a week off so what.
Stephen A Smith said
LeBron James made his return to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, December 15, after missing two games over an eight-day period.
Following the Lakers’ 116-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, James shared his thoughts on taking time off to rest and recover. He admitted that if it were up to him, he would have likely continued playing despite his struggles.
However, James acknowledged the importance of listening to his team, who prioritize his well-being and best interests. With the LA Lakers not advancing in the NBA Cup and having a relatively light schedule, James took advantage of the opportunity to rest a sore foot and work through a shooting slump that saw him go 0-20 from 3-point range at one point.
LeBron James talks about his injured foot and day off
LeBron James made his highly anticipated return to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, following an eight-day absence. In the post-game conference, James revealed that he had taken the time off to focus on rehabilitating his injured foot.
It’s not behind me, it’s an everyday thing.
LeBron James said
James used the short break to focus on recovering and staying in top shape. He explained that he spent the time training to ensure he was fully prepared to perform. His efforts paid off, as he felt refreshed and delivered when he returned.
James’ return to the court was a welcome sight for Lakers fans, and he delivered a solid all-around performance to help his team secure a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite dealing with a nagging foot injury, James showed no signs of rust, and that is exactly what the team needs right now.