If you've noticed LeBron James with a heating pad on his back on the bench at times this season, you've got a keen eye. James has used the heating packs regularly in the early going this season, as his back has been giving him issues.
James wasn't his usual dominant self on Thursday, and it appears the back issues may have flared up once again:
LeBron says he felt great to start the game, but his lower back locked up after a dive.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) November 8, 2013
LeBron says he has had a history of back spasms, "but I keep an eye on it."
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) November 8, 2013
It sounds like James doesn't expect to miss any time unless the issue gets significantly worse:
LeBron says his back issues have been going on for "a couple weeks," but the only way it'd keep him off the court is if he can't get out bed
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) November 8, 2013
With that said, though, it's a long season and the Miami Heat have little to prove over the 82-game grind.
James has played in 771 of a possible 810 games in his NBA career, plus another 138 playoff games and international appearances. It's possible The King just needs a rest.
