You know what the biggest problem of supporting the most popular team is? The hate watchers. After the Lakers crashed out of the first round against the Timberwolves, it sent all of the Showtime into disarray. But all’s not bad in this off-season. Mind The Game is back for episode 5, which means more content from the likes of LeBron James and Steve Nash. Not bad, right?
Even the hate watchers wouldn’t hate watching that. And especially this episode, where Bron talks about his recovery, and gives updates on multiple family members to the public. First off- his knee injury.
LeBron James was diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in the final game of the series, an injury that was expected to sideline him 4-to-6 weeks. This was uncharted territory for him. Never had he ever gotten an injury that would require proper bed rest. “In my 22-year career, this is my first knee injury. I’ve had regular tendonitis, patella, all that stuff, but this is the first time I have had a sustained knee injury where you gotta get off your feet. You gotta be shelved for a minute,” said James on MTG.
So, does the King have any updates on his status? You bet. “I’ll be able to do some small stuff within the next week or two, just to kind of get the mobility back into the knee and things of that nature.” That’s fantastic news. After a new injury, it’s best to get as much of the off-season as possible to get back into shape. But that’s not all the good news. If anything is fuelling him more at this time, it’s Bryce James heading to Arizona for the start of his basketball career.
Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“My youngest son is headed off to college soon. That’s another bird out the nest, a very emotional moment coming up for Bryce going off to Tucson to be an Arizona Wildcat,” said James on the pod. The 6’6 shooting guard is the latest addition to the James dynasty in American basketball. And after a stellar display for Sierra Canyon School, he signed with the Wildcats at the turn of the year. Bryce James is the 86th-ranked recruit in his high school class, classified as a three-star prospect by 247 Sports. And Papa James couldn’t be happier.
But being virtually bedridden has its flaws. While you do get some much-needed rest, you don’t get the chance to spend the off-season with the fam. LeBron James confirmed a delay in retirement plans. But his main motive was to get some time to spend with his family after the greatest 22-year basketball career ever. And that is still not achievable due to his condition.
LeBron James missing out on family time due to unforgiving NBA schedule
This is a long debate. Many players have been vocal about reducing game time. And not just for the sake of their bodies, more for some much-needed family time. Ideally, Bron would be looking at the off-season as a way to reconnect with the likes of Zhuri and Savannah James. But that’s down the drain too, due to the MCL sprain.
“But my daughter is heavily in volleyball, so I’ll be in a lot of gyms this summer. She’s with her travel league team on California. They go all over. They’ve been to Reno, Nevada. They go on to Las Vegas. They play all over California. So I just spent a lot of time with her and then take some vacation time with the family. Some of the times you lose, obviously when you’re in the eight, nine month season. And see what the next journey looks like,” said Bron on the pod.
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) speaks to media with his children Lebron James Jr. and daughter Zhuri James following the 93-89 victory against the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
It’s tough to see one of the GOATs suffering like this at 40-years of age. The positive updates on his recovery is good news for sure. And he’s happy about Bryce living up to his potential after joining the Wildcats. But if there’s one thing that’s missing for the Lakers superstar, it’s some family time. And that won’t come until retirement.
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