LeBron James’ return from his mid-season break has brought the Los Angeles Lakers back to their winning ways, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 116-110 on Sunday. The rest period seems to have worked wonders for the four-time NBA Champion. He had a spring in his step. However, the King’s resurgent performance also triggered some intriguing speculations about German doctors.
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When the topic of LeBron’s sabbatical came up midway through the latest episode of the Run Your Race podcast, former NBA player Theo Pinson started snickering. After suppressing his laughter with some effort, Pinson insinuated the rumors that James was in Germany for some kind of medical rehabilitation.
“My man [LeBron] tired. Second thing is, he was in Germany. [laughs] He had to take a little rest, he had to go,” he said suggestively.
“We can’t talk about that,” one of the panelists warned, as Pinson continued to laugh.
“He was tired. It is what it is. Bron, you do what you need to do...Y’all remember James Harden, he took the fat suit off. [laughs] That was unbelievable…that was in a week’s span,” Pinson added.
While some people have speculated that Bron used legal medical procedures to revitalize his body, there have also been rumors alleging the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). However, there is no evidence to back up any such claims.
Suggestive comments from former players like Pinson, in fact, are giving such rumors more fuel.
Amid all this, people dug up a 2023 clip of James’ then Lakers teammate Dennis Schroder and connected it with the star’s recent hiatus. Schroder had, at the time, spoken in context of LeBron’s visit to the European country to take care of a foot issue. “I can’t say too much, but German doctors are great. That’s all I am saying,” he had said.
Dennis Schroder on LeBron James’ return timeline: “I know. I can’t say too much … But German doctors are great. That’s all I’m saying” pic.twitter.com/JV1zED2mqX
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 17, 2023
LeBron could have gone to Germany for a medical procedure or just a holiday. Nothing is known in the public sphere. The PED allegations gained a lot of traction after UFC legend Chael Sonnen claimed on the Flagrant podcast that LeBron takes steroids to enhance his output on the hardwood.
Baseless as they are, nothing is likely to come out of these rumors. And the NBA and James himself have, rightfully, refrained from addressing the topic.
The fact is that LeBron’s back with new-found energy. He scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists against the Grizzlies. The Lakers fans are understandably happy with the King’s return. So should all lovers of the game.
