"Them like the ultimate flexes"- Draymond Green says LeBron James doing the powder toss while coming off the bench is the mark
Draymond Green was impressed with LeBron James continuing his powder toss ritual while coming off the bench in the LA Lakers' 118-108 loss against the Chicago Bulls.
It was deemed odd as players generally don't have much time to go through a ritual like this if they come off the bench. But it's just one of those LeBron memories that will get registered in the history books. Here's what Green thought of that moment (via The Draymond Green Show):
"I also thought it was hilarious that he did the powder toss. Those are flexes... Them like the ultimate flexes, and I can respect a good flex."
James flexed plenty after his shocking return. During the post-game interview, he suggested that he went to "LeBron James of feet" for treatment, meaning he went to the best doctor possible.
Multiple reports suggested he would've been out until at least the final week of the regular season, but after an intense rehab program, LeBron returned quicker than expected.
Bron says he went to the “LeBron James of feet” after two doctors recommended season-ending surgery 😳 https://t.co/R3fHCE5L4c
LeBron James is easing his way back into the lineup after missing 13 games due to a foot tendon injury he endured against the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 26. The Lakers were on a roll before his return, winning their past three consecutive games and reaching the .500 mark for the first time since January 2022, boasting a 37-37 record.
The team had built momentum without James, so it was an ideal decision for him to come off the bench. It was only the second time in his career that LeBron didn't start an NBA game.
LeBron James says his foot injury was actually a torn tendon, via @jovanbuha.
The doctors said he healed from the injury faster than “they’ve ever seen.” https://t.co/Kq97NEkpRH
LeBron James optimistic about LA Lakers finishing as a top-six seed
The LA Lakers made a remarkable turnaround after retooling their roster at the trade deadline. They improved their perimeter shooting and added size and length on defense. It instantly made an impact on the team's results. Since their new-look roster debuted, the Lakers have gone 12-7. LeBron James has played only four games during that stretch.
LA has been the second-best defensive team per the NBA's defensive ratings since then, while their 3-point efficiency and make-up per game have also seen a decent rise compared to their season averages.
The Lakers' resurgence pushed LeBron James to increase the intensity of his rehab and return at the earliest from injury. Here's what the four-time MVP said about this after his return:
"We go 8-5 and now we're sitting at a chance to be able to, 'Hell with the play-in, we actually can be a top-six seed,' that definitely changed my mindset on me coming back and trying to be a part of this... I don't wanna say changed my mindset, it just enhanced what I was trying to as far as my workouts and treatment went."
The LA Lakers, unfortunately, dropped to one game behind the .500 mark after James' return and slipped to ninth in the Western Conference standings. However, they remain in the hunt for the sixth seed, as they are only one game behind in the loss column from that position.
The Lakers also have the easiest schedule left, giving them a realistic shot at a top-six finish this year. It would be a remarkable feat considering they started the season 2-10.