“I got to be smart with it”: LeBron James reveals reason behind missing match against Milwaukee Bucks

The Los Angeles Lakers legendary forward LeBron James has stated that he would prefer health over the team’s seeding after missing the match against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The 39-year-old returned to the starting lineup for the match against the Memphis Grizzlies and helped the side secure an important win with a score of 136-124 at the FedExForum in Memphis on Wednesday.

Talking after the match, James stated that he is very cautious about fitness, especially considering that he is edging closer to turning 40.

"I got to be smart with it," he said. "If I'm not healthy, or [anywhere] close to being healthy, then it's not good for our ballclub anyway. It's not good for me. Just be very strategic [with decision to play or rest].

"Obviously, understanding and seeing how my ankle and my foot is feeling. But just being very smart about it, obviously. We are where we are, but our health has always been the most important for our ballclub.

Not just one individual. But for me looking out for myself when it comes to injury and knowing my foot and knowing my ankle and how it reacts, and how it's been over the last couple of years, it's just always keeping a hefty eye on it."