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LeBron James' Statement After Personal Absence Return in Lakers-Grizzlies

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James spoke after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies.

Joey Linn

Nov 6, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Nov 6, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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The Los Angeles Lakers picked up an impressive win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night. Entering this game with an 18-8 record that ranked second in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies were unable to stay hot against their West rivals.

This game saw the return of LeBron James, who missed the last two games while away from the team due to personal reasons. James was also dealing with left foot soreness that had him on the injury report for each of those two games. Again on the injury report for this game, James was upgraded from questionable to available before tip-off.

LeBron James
Dec 15, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Speaking with reporters after the game, James spoke on his foot injury.

“It’s not behind me,” James said via Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “It’s an every day thing. … But I was able to do some great things (on my break).”

James played 34 minutes in his return, tallying 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the winning effort. The Lakers were led by 40 points and 16 rebounds from Anthony Davis, who Memphis was unable to stop.

This win improved the Lakers to 14-12 which has them tied with the LA Clippers for ninth in the Western Conference standings. The Lakers will now get a few days off before hosting the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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