David Chao, MD
2 min read • May 26, 2023
Posted in
LeBron James' career has been filled with headlines, but rarely is retirement and injury the main crux of the story.
After Monday's loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, James told the media that he was mulling coming back next season.
Then on Thursday, it was reported by The Athletics' Shams Charania that James was playing through a torn tendon in his right foot, which may require surgery in the offseason.
We reported when his original foot injury occurred on Feb. 26.
According to our panel of doctors, if a torn tendon doesn't heal in three months of not getting surgery due to playing in the playoffs, it's unlikely to recover in two months after the season.
Hence, it would be advantageous for LeBron to undergo surgery sooner for a quicker recovery.
Now, there is a possibility that James is pulling a Scottie Pippen type of play by delaying surgery to gain leverage over the organization. Speculations suggest he may be delaying surgery to gain influence over the Lakers organization and team up with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Kyrie Irving.
James, 38, is in his last couple of years in the NBA, and it's possible that he realized the only leverage he had to get Irving was to use himself.
Written by David Chao, MD
