LeBron James out of walking boot, staying included with Lakers throughout rehabilitation

LOS ANGELES-- Angelenos have all been raiding their closets recently dealing with the unseasonably seasonal cold weather. LeBron James' Sunday ensemble consisted of a tan turtleneck sweatshirt.

Amidst the vigorous conditions, James wasn't wearing boots-- even the protective one he's been sporting on his best foot considering that injuring it on Feb. 26.

That had to seem a favorable indication for a Lakers group that has been winning well enough without James, however would still like to have him back quicker instead of later. The 38-year-old was hurt when he was still enjoying an exceptional individual season, balancing 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists.

Technically James is due for reevaluation in approximately two weeks. There are four weeks left to the routine season, which ends on April 9. If the Lakers remain in the play-in variety, James would be quite the weapon in a win-or-go-home situation.

Coach Darvin Ham was close to the vest talking about James' development: "Everything is going according to strategy."

James has actually now missed out on seven straight video games, but he had not attended two video games-- wins over Memphis and Toronto-- in a row prior to arriving Sunday evening. The Lakers stated James was excused for medical reasons throughout his rehab from his tendon injury.

Ham suggested that the absence over the last week was a favorable in terms of enabling James some space from his needs this season. From the group's rough start, to carrying the Lakers when Davis was injured, to chasing down the all-time scoring record, to his existence as a dad in his oldest child's senior year, Ham mentioned the mental toll that can take, even on a superstar as skilled as James.

" It's also good for him to disconnect a bit-- not be removed always, but just mentally get a bit of a soothing to everything that's taken place for many years," he said. "It's been a lot. It's not simply about him getting healthy, it's about him being in an excellent location psychologically and spiritually so we get the finest variation of him when he returns."

While Hames has only played 3 video games because the trade deadline (all wins), he has been engaged with the team: After their Friday win over Toronto, James published scores of highlights to his Instagram story despite the fact that he was not physically present. At Sunday's video game, he showcased the handshakes and rapport he's developed with his brand-new colleagues in spite of not being on the floor with them.

Davis said James texted the group after the last video game with observations and insights, and most of all he's been impressed with the chemistry.

"We talked after the Memphis video game ... texting us, 'Great win,' things that he sees. He's involved even though he's getting healthy."