On Thursday, JJ Redick began his media session by providing a comprehensive injury update for several players on the Los Angeles Lakers' roster. When asked about LeBron James, his answer was direct, and he confirmed that number 23 remains day-to-day while dealing with a hip contusion and foot arthritis. 

"LeBron? Yeah, he's day-to-day," Redick said. 

James would end up being a game-time decision ahead of LA's home contest with the Chicago Bulls. He would ultimately end up suiting up for the game, making his return after three missed contests in a row. 

In the Lakers' win over Chicago, LeBron scored 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting, along with seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. At 41 years old, age has begun to be a major factor in James' health and availability, so Lakers fans are of course cherishing every chance they get to see him still suiting up. 

It's right for us to point out that injuries are affecting LeBron, because it feels like almost the first time in his career that ailments have become a major factor in his ability to stay on the court for a long period of time. James has famously never really dealt with any disastrous injuries like a torn ACL or Achilles. 

A stretch of about 40 days in March and April of 2021 was the only time he's missed more than a month consecutively this decade. To see him now be banged up headed toward the end of the season after coming in to the Lakers' campaign injured indicates this is an ongoing thing. 

And to be fair, that's totally normal for a guy playing in his 23rd season and at his age. In fact, it's ridiculous that it took until LeBron's early 40's for these things to start becoming a recurring issue like this. Most players, even stars, are missing extensive time year after year in their mid or even early 30's. 

We know that LeBron has committed countless hours to keeping his body operating at the optimal level for decades now. The millions of dollars he has spent to keep himself in shape have clearly paid off for him to only now be a routine game-time decision type of player. 

His injuries are nothing to play around with. Hip and foot issues can be debilitating, and James should feel no shame sitting out games where he needs to. 

But with that being said, he's still been able to play 45 games this year and counting. Even if his season ended today, that's more than plenty of other 40-somethings in NBA history.