NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Superstar May Need Foot Surgery

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James sent the NBA into a tizzy when he flirted with retirement following his team's exit from the Western Conference Finals, and there may be a reason he's suddenly feeling his basketball mortality. According to the Athletic's Shams Charania, the 19-time All-Star may still need surgery to repair a tendon that hindered him all through the postseason.

LeBron James could need surgery this offseason.

James played the last few months with a torn tendon in his foot, sources tell @ShamsCharania.

If surgery is required, James would be expected to recover by the start of training camp next season.https://t.co/Hg12Z1GttD
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 26, 2023

James initially suffered his foot injury way back on February 26th. He elected to forego potentially season-ending surgery, eventually missing 13 games before returning in time for the playoffs. He averaged a respectable 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists with a .584 true shooting percentage over 16 postseason appearances.

Reportedly, surgery wouldn't prevent James from being ready for next season's training camp, so he shouldn't have any trouble suiting up for a 21st season if he so chooses. Still, it's possible the thought of gutting out another season for the Lakers at his advanced age is starting to lose its appeal. Including the postseason, James ranks second all-time in minutes played with 65457, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 66297.

Between his long-held dream of playing professional basketball with his son and the $97 million he would leave on the table by walking away, it's unlikely that the NBA has seen the last of James. The four-time NBA champion has productive (and lucrative) years left in him, and Bronny James could be drafted as soon as 2024. Even with surgery looming, James should be back on the court next season.