Lakers forward Lebron James expects to deal with discomfort in the left ankle for the rest of the season.
The injury that drove him out of the All-Star game on Sunday but at 40 and in his 22nd season he plans to play in games in the regular season.
James listed as doubtful before Lakers 100-97 loss to Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday evening, James played 38 minutes. He got 26 points on 10-for-22 shooting, drew seven returns and had 11 assists.
“It will be something we have to handle the rest of the season and go into the season,” James said after the match. “But I was glad I could have some days off … and make sure I was available for tonight.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick repeated that the team has had to deal with the issue for months. James has played in 49 out of 53 matches for Los Angeles.
“It’s something we have succeeded all year, and it was tender during the weekend,” Redick said after training on Wednesday. “He could do most things today. But as it has been all year – that, it’s a daily thing – it’s just something we’ve had to deal with.”
Lakers play on Portland Thursday evening in the second game in a back-to-back.
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