Toronto Raptors v Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 02: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores a basket against Stanley Johnson #5 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Staples Center on May 2, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Despite making his long-awaited return to the court on Friday night against the Sacramento Kings, the latest injury of the 36-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James, may affect the rest of his career in basketball.

In his return, LeBron finished with 16 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and seven assists in just 32 minutes of playing time. The recent high ankle sprain to his right leg has sidelined LeBron for the most time he has missed in his career due to an injury.

According to Fox News, after the game, the lakers star LeBron James shared that he felt 'OK,' but he added that he felt a little tightness. He emphasized that he may never be 100% back again, saying he knows it is impossible.

Moreover, since the injury, the NBA veteran stated that there's an urgency for him to get back. He also noted his hardships that he had experienced during his rehab. But he also said that he's happy now and relieved after stepping inside the court again.

LeBron James Exits

With only two weeks left in the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently fighting on what they thought they could avoid, the play-in tournament. The possibility of them joining the knock-out tournament increased after they have bowed down to the Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Times reported.

Also, they had just learned that another key player, Dennis Schroder, would not be available, which forced the Lakers to lock in a little more. They played a little sharper, a little harder on Sunday night for a final playoff push, but they fell short into the hands of the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors were looking for a spark in the early part of the game, and their veteran team captain responded to the call. Lowry ignited the bench and gave them life and energy. Despite leading by 12 points early in the game, the Los Angeles lakers suddenly looked bad and fell behind by as large as a 21-point deficit.

Meanwhile, the 121-114 loss by the Lakers on Sunday put them on a three-way tie with the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers. The latest Lakers loss is their sixth in their last seven matches. Aside from their loss, another concern for the Lakers is LeBron James, who was forced back to the locker room in the middle of the fourth quarter. He was later initially diagnosed with a sore right ankle and was not able to return to the court, SportsNet reported.

James also stated that the last two games at halftime, after the break, he got a little sore and tight.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach, Frank Vogel, shared that the team would see how LeBron was feeling Monday to evaluate the chances of him playing that night against the Denver Nuggets.

In 27 minutes of action against the Raptors, LeBron scored 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

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WATCH: ESPN reacts to LeBron James leaves with ankle soreness, Lakers fall to Raptors 121-114 FROM- Thánh Tán Gái