Comparing LeBron James and Evan Mobley’s Ankle Sprains & What They Mean for the Lakers and Cavs’ Seasons

LeBron James is having yet another stellar season for the Lakers, leading the NBA in scoring at 30.3 points per game, along with 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. But after missing time with knee and abdominal issues earlier in the year, he is now out with an ankle sprain. A star in the making at the other end of his career, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ sensational Evan Mobley is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. But when he came down on the foot of the Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner, Evan suffered a similar injury to LeBron and is now stuck on the sideline. 

In this episode, Basketball Strong co-host and former Lakers S+C coach Tim DiFrancesco breaks down:

• How LeBron and Evan’s injuries are similar but different
• What all three grades of ankle sprain and why RICE is no longer the go-to treatment
• Why LeBron’s injury history enables him to play through pain
• How the Lakers’ and Cavs’ races for playoff and play-in spots factor into LeBron and Evan’s returns to the lineup
• Which exercises you anyone can do to speed up recovery from an ankle sprain

Stay dialed into the Basketball Strong Podcast for more episodes about treating and reducing the risk of injury, and check out TD’s Instagram feed to see videos, tips, and more.