LeBron James says he feels physically better than he did last year entering postseason

With the Lakers heading into the postseason, LeBron James is ready and healthier than last year for the Lakers.

With the Lakers ready to begin their playoff push against the New Orleans Pelicans, the team finds themselves in a similar situation, relying heavily on the play of LeBron James.

This is par the course of a James-led team. He’s always the epicenter of every team he’s a part of. Even at age 39, this Lakers team depends on him just as much as any Cavs or Heat team did during his tenure.

Anthony Davis may be making the case as the team’s 1A, but at worst, James is 1B, and they’ll need both healthy and ready to go if they’re going to beat the odds and win the No. 7 vs. No. 8 play-in game.

Davis’ status for the play-in is questionable after exiting Sunday’s game with back spasms, but not only is LeBron probable, he feels better than last season.

“Better than I did at the end of the season last year going into the postseason,” James said after Sunday’s win versus the Pelicans. “Obviously, still dealing with whatever the case may be; some small things here, some small things there. I took a lot of pride in the offseason in just trying to get my ankle, get my foot back in order, get my body back in order.

“It’s definitely paid off for me throughout the regular season…At this point in my career, to be able to play 70-plus games, be available for my guys, I think only a few of them were because of injury or illness, being sick, so that’s pretty cool.”

Last season, LeBron averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists. This year, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists. Those numbers don’t show a huge uptick for James, minus his assist numbers, but the film certainly shows he has a bounce now that he didn’t have last year.

During the playoff run in 2023, you saw LeBron with a clear hindrance due to his right foot. He couldn’t get up and lift, so you saw more layups than dunks and noticed he didn’t have the same burst on his first step.

Now, LeBron was so physical and had elite shot-making in the paint that it didn’t factor as much in the results, but it was noticeable.

This season, he’s bouncing out of the gym more than last year, which is why you’re seeing more dunks and speed from the King.

He’s also been far more available. Last year, LeBron played only 51 games, missing most of April while this season, he played in 71 regular-season games. So, even if your eyes can’t see the health, the games played certainly reflect it.

With James ready to go, the Lakers find themselves in a solid position. They know they can rely on a healthy Lebron to do the great things he’s known for like raising a team’s ceiling and floor in the postseason.

LeBron got the Lakers out of the play-in last year in the No. 7 vs. No. 8 game and here he is again back and healthier, ready to do it once more.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.