"New supply of PEDs" - Fans speculate and clamor about LeBron James as he returns rejuvenated after 8-day hiatus

LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James returned from his two-game hiatus during Sunday's home matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. The aging four-time MVP wasted no time making his presence felt, as he delivered back-to-back highlight plays in the contest's opening minutes, exhilarating NBA fans.

James sat out the Lakers' last two games due to left foot soreness and an excused personal leave, marking his first missed outings of the season. However, his team's spaced-out schedule during the NBA Cup tournament afforded him an extended midseason rest opportunity.

The 20-time All-Star last played during LA's 134-132 overtime road loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 6. Thus, James had eight full days off before Sunday's home clash, leading some to speculate about his absences being planned ahead of time.

Upon his return, James appeared rejuvenated. Early in the first quarter, the soon-to-be 40-year-old threw down a ferocious right-handed slam dunk on a fastbreak. Afterward, he promptly got back on defense, securing a chase-down block on Grizzlies wing Desmond Bane.

Following James' two-way athletic showcase, fans on X/Twitter remarked about him returning to form despite his age.

"My king is back!" @jbondwagon said.

"HE'S 40, BRO," @BronWorld wrote.

"The KING has risen," @Joey77PARK said.

Meanwhile, others quipped that James must be using performance-enhancing drugs to maintain his elite athleticism.

"Most obvious trip to Germany to get a new supply of PEDs," @30GotNext wrote.

"LeBron had to get his yearly supply of German super serum, and now his '09 athleticism is back," @AlligatorTre said.

"The serum is in effect," @the__billet wrote.

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Lakers dispatch second-seeded Grizzlies in LeBron James' return

Following LeBron James' emphatic start to Sunday's contest, he posted a well-rounded stat line despite grappling with inefficiency.

James finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal, two blocks and three 3-pointers. However, he shot just 7-for-17 (41.2%) and 1-for-4 at the free-throw line (25.0%).

Nevertheless, the Lakers led the Western Conference's second-seeded Grizzlies (18-9) throughout the evening, building a 23-point third-quarter advantage before holding on for a 116-110 victory. They were led by James' co-star Anthony Davis, who delivered a game-high 40 points and 16 rebounds, shooting 15-for-22 (68.2%).

With its victory, LA (14-12) gained minor ground in the crowded West standings. It sits 10th entering Thursday's road showdown against the Sacramento Kings (13-13).

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