LeBron James was among the first NBA stars to welcome Jayson Tatum back after the Boston Celtics forward made a stunning return from a devastating Achilles injury.
Tatum suffered the tear late last season, an injury that typically sidelines players for close to a year.
The Celtics star’s quick recovery and return to the court have therefore caught the attention of players and fans across the league.
LeBron James welcomes Jayson Tatum back after Achilles injury
LeBron James on X shared a short but heartfelt message after Jayson Tatum completed his long-awaited comeback.
“Welcome back Big Deuce, Jayson Tatum!” the LA Lakers star wrote.
The reaction reflects the respect many players have for the Boston Celtics star after battling back from one of basketball’s most serious injuries.
Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, an injury that usually requires extensive rehabilitation and often sidelines players for much longer than a few months.
Jayson Tatum delivers a strong performance in the return game
Tatum’s comeback was not just symbolic either, as the Celtics forward made a major impact in limited minutes.
He finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists while playing 27 minutes.
Tatum also shot 6-of-16 from the field and helped Boston secure a convincing 120-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
The performance showed that the All-Star forward can still influence the game in multiple ways, even as he continues to rebuild rhythm after the injury.
For the Celtics, having Tatum back on the floor again could prove crucial as they push toward the most important stage of the season.
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