NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins makes a point of fitness for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
40-year-old superstar LeBron James returned from a gro caliber injury just a few days ago and is still in the lineup.
He dropped 17 points and 12 assists, but shot 8-20 from the field, but also gave him costly sales in the Lakers’ 117-119 defeat to the Chicago Bulls.
James’ performance led to criticism from former La Lakers player James Worthy, as sales were part of the meltdown the team had in the final seconds of the game, before Josh Giddy’s dramatic winner.
Speaking about the game in ESPN’s first take, Perkins revealed that sources told him that James wasn’t fully fit and only 70-75% ready.
Despite playing in his 22nd year, LeBron James was explosive, part of 62 of the 73 games the Lakers have played this season.
The injury that was injured against the Boston Celtics in mid-March was the only reason James had to go out several games this season.
However, Perkins revealed that the four-time NBA champions have not fully recovered from their injuries.
“LeBron James is not healthy. Congratulations to what he did last night, the brain he had. It’s not LeBron James, expensive sales, the gamble he went to steal in Corner 3, but he’s not healthy.
“That’s a huge concern for the Los Angeles Lakers,” Perkins said in “First Take.”
The panel also discussed the tough running of equipment the Lakers will have in upcoming games.
Perkins added: “The Lakers are in trouble. It was a game they had to win last night, and they were supposed to win.
“LeBron James is not healthy. I think he’s probably around 70-75%, so I think you’re at a peak towards the offseason and the Lakers are heading backwards.”
James is one of the best players, and many of them depend on the work he’s put in since he was drafted into the league.
In the Lakers’ recent victory over the Indiana Pacers, James secured the winning basket by tilting the ball before the defender could reach him.
His ability to jump more than others and play the amount he does is a testament to his greatness.
James averages 35 minutes per game. This is more than a star like Giannis Anteto Compo, Shysil Jualexander, and Tyre Sehalliburton.
Speaking about caring for his body, James said in a recent interview with Pat McAfee: “I’m certainly investing in my body.
“I’m trying to do a little of this.
“Obviously, I will continue while I play, with a lot of soft tissue work, massages, lots of high pressure rooms, ice tubs, ice baths, anything I can do to keep playing at this level.”