LeBron James: Lakers star reveals health problem affected him ahead of Hawks game
LEBRON JAMES admitted he suffered from a headache before the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Sacramento Kings due to the nearby fires in the area.
The Kings’ home arena, the Golden 1 Center, is located in downtown Sacramento.
Just a few miles away, devastating fires were taking the lives of 25 people.
The smoke from the fires was so bad, it forced multiple events in Sacramento to be cancelled, though the Kings’ game against the Lakers was able to continue.
However, as fans poured into the arena, an announcement was made that there was smoke filtering through the air ventilation and into the arena.
And James admitted that he and his team-mates could feel the effects of the smoke.
“You can smell it,” James said before the game.
“We haven't really gotten up and down [running] like that to the point where you can tell it affects you or not, but anytime smoke is around, you know it can affect all of us.
“Not only us as athletes but everyone.
There's a noticeable haze hovering at the top of the court here in Sacramento, which is about 90 minutes south of where the Camp Fire originated. An arena staff member said the haze was not normal or from the arena lighting. The... https://t.co/rVCgtDJfhb pic.twitter.com/68wSm1wXWl
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) November 11, 2018
“Everyone gets affected by pollution.”
The superstar admitted that he believes the smoke affected his preparation for the game.
It didn’t appear to show on court, as James scored 25 points on the way to the Lakers securing their fifth win of the year.
His 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists were enough for the Lakers to see out a 101-86 win.
“I had a slight headache before the game,” James explained.
“And I can't pinpoint any other reason why it was going on besides the smoke.
“But it went away after the game started.
“Hopefully I'll be able to get some good rest tonight.”
The Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.