Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James has admitted that he needs to be strategic and smart about when to play and when to rest in the ongoing NBA season. James has been troubled by an ankle injury in the recent past and thus had to miss matches.

James, 39, is in his 21st NBA season but still has the hunger to keep going at the top level. The Lakers’ registered a 136-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday and James was delighted.

“I got to be smart with it,” James said. “If I’m not healthy, or [anywhere] close to being healthy, then it’s not good for our ballclub anyway. It’s not good for me.”

With this win, the Lakers were able to extend their winning streak to five matches and they will look to continue the good show.

James said he didn’t want to take risks and thus decided to sit out against the Bucks.

“I mean, I would’ve probably tried to play yesterday [in Milwaukee] if that was the case,” James, 39, said.

“Just be very strategic,” James said of his decisions on when to play and when to rest. “Obviously, understanding and seeing how my ankle and my foot is feeling. But just being very smart about it, obviously. We are where we are, but our health has always been the most important for our ballclub. Not just one individual. But for me looking out for myself when it comes to injury and knowing my foot and knowing my ankle and how it reacts, and how it’s been over the last couple of years, it’s just always keeping a hefty eye on it.”

On the other hand, Anthony Davis also decided to sit out against Grizzlies with his hyperextended left knee. Lakers forward Taurean Prince said they are gaining confidence and want to be consistent.

“I don’t think any team in the league really wants to see us besides a couple,” Lakers forward Taurean Prince said. “We know our capabilities. I think everybody else does, too. It’s just about us coming being consistent.”

The Lakers will next face the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.