LeBron James left no doubt about his health heading into the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
James and the Lakers will open the postseason Saturday against the Timberwolves, and the 40-year-old, who missed time earlier this season with a groin injury and appeared to tweak it again during an April 11 matchup against the Houston Rockets, let fans know if they can expect to see him suit up.
James was seen wearing a leg sleeve on his left leg during practice, where he’s been managing discomfort in his hip and groin. However, the four-time MVP downplayed any concerns that the issue might impact his availability in the playoffs.
“I’m available tomorrow,” James told reporters on Friday.
James is coming off another wildly successful campaign, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists. But head coach JJ Redick has credited James for being a leader on the defensive side of the court as well.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“LeBron, throughout the year, has been a real leader on that end of the floor for us,” Redick said. “I just think the buy-in of what schematically we’re doing, the game plan we’re giving them has been really good.”
James has only missed the playoffs four times in his career. This is his 18th playoff run and he’s appeared in 287 postseason games.
The Lakers are minus-195 to win the series, per DraftKings. James and LA are seeking to bring home their first title since 2020.