“Health has always been a big piece for our club” - LeBron James highlights the importance of the LA Lakers staying fit

LeBron James continues to have title aspirations with the LA Lakers squad as he heads into his 20th season. With new challenges awaiting the team, James highlighted certain aspects the Lakers will have to be wary of moving forward.

After a glorious title run in the 2020 NBA playoffs, the LA Lakers have struggled to return to the same position of success. Having been knocked out of the playoffs in the first round in 2021 and missed the playoffs last season, the Lakers have really fallen off.

While a lot of this could be attributed to roster management, a greater issue that emerged was injuries. In large stretches of the last two seasons, both LeBron James and fellow superstar Anthony Davis sustained injuries and remained sidelined.

The fact that the Lakers have been plagued by injuries the last two seasons has had an impact. James took note of this in a recent interview.

James started off by discussing what it was like heading into year 20 and what the team's main focus was.

"I don't put too much on it. It's the beginning of a long journey that you hope and the beginning of a marathon. You just want to get better throughout the season, for sure.

"Just playin' how we want to play and how we want to compete. Play hard, play smart, have fun with the results."

In this regard, James also highlighted the importance of staying healthy throughout the season.

"Health has always been a big piece for our club, for our guys. That's the only vision is how we can come in and be as healthy as possible and give ourselves a chance to win every night."

👑 LeBron James talks about his focus and vision as he enters his 20th season in the NBA. https://t.co/hsLH9sE9U9

While James' sentiments regarding health certainly hold value, the LA Lakers already find themselves in trouble ahead of opening night. With a few players already listed on the injury report, the Lakers will hope that the names on the injury report don't increase further.

LeBron James' primary concerns for the LA Lakers already in effect

LeBron James mentioning health as an important aspect for the LA Lakers is extremely valid. However, the team will find themselves shorthanded right before opening night.

With Dennis Schroder (lower back soreness) and Thomas Bryant (left thumb sprain) on the injury report, the Purple and Gold will already see two rotation players out of action. Meanwhile, offseason addition Troy Brown Jr., who hasn't made his debut for the team yet, will also remain out as he recovers from injury.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook will also feature on the injury report. Davis is experiencing some lower back tightness and Westbrook is recovering from a hamstring strain. They are listed as probable for the game on Tuesday.

While LeBron James (left foot soreness) has also been listed on the injury report, he is more than likely to play against the Golden State Warriors. With the LA Lakers attempting to start this season with a win, the team find themselves in a relatively unfavorable situation already.

First injury report this season:

Troy Brown Jr. (low back soreness), Thomas Bryant (left thumb sprain) and Dennis Schröder (right UCL repair) are out
• Anthony Davis (low back soreness), LeBron James (left foot soreness), Russell Westbrook (left hamstring soreness) are probable