After Anthony Edwards’s performance against Team Canada yesterday, some basketball buffs still doubt if LeBron James deserves the ‘Best Player‘ tag for Team USA. Even before the game, Paul Pierce snubbed James to term Jayson Tatum as the best player. Some have even switched back to their favorite stars. Anyhow, Jeff Teague is not giving up on the 4x champion yet. He revealed an unearthed story from his time with the Atlanta Hawks to highlight James’s longevity and toughness, to back the ‘Best Player‘ claims that he received. 

LeBron James’s body conditioning has always left the other NBA veterans awestruck. For 21 straight seasons, James has stayed healthy and has faced only a few minor injuries. This is a reason for his unmatched longevity. The below story from Teague is an example of it. 

The former Hawks star shared, “[LeBron James] rolled his ankle and I swear to god that s*** touched the floor. We ain’t hype he hurt, but we like he’s out, we about to win this game… [Bron] started wiggling his foot and stayed in the game. He’s not real bro.” 

Ankle injuries are the most devastating ones. About half the players are reported to miss at least a week’s competition over the cause. To be able to finish the game after rolling the ankle fully showcases the strength and willpower James has. 

Teague believes this is a reason why James is the best player. He can overcome any hindrance, despite his age or any other factor which might be a trouble for him. Or should we say he has the Mamba Mentality? Sure, he does. The only time James faced severe trouble was in 2021, right before the playoffs. 

LeBron James’s most troublesome injury that halted the 2021 season for the Lakers 

Yet again, this was an ankle injury. However, it was concerning this time. On March 20, 2021, in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Hawks, the King took a scary fall during the second quarter. His right ankle rolled on the inside and he left the court instantly with devastating pain. 

“Nothing angers and saddens me more than not being available to and for my teammates! I’m hurt inside and out right now. The road back from recovery begins now. Back soon like I never left,” wrote James on X after he was sidelined indefinitely. 

James returned to the game more than a month later on April 30 against the Sacramento Kings. Anthony Davis had taken the load for the Lakers while James was out. The season was alive and James helped the Lakers to make it to the playoffs that season. Although they got eliminated in the first round against the Phoenix Suns, James’s efforts to make a quick return were appreciated by many. 

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video: