LeBron James downplayed his two-game absence from the Lakers due to foot soreness after returning in Sunday’s 116-110 win over the Grizzlies.

The four-time champion, who was excused from the Lakers for “personal reasons,” explained that he was careful to keep his body and mind in order while away from the team.

“A lot of rehab, a lot more training,” James, 39, told reporters after the game at Crypto.com Arena. “I made sure I was ready to go tonight so I didn’t want to get too out of shape.”

James had 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in 34 minutes after being away from the team for eight days.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked James – who turns 40 later this month – whether his 22nd season trying to lead this Lakers team has been “mentally taxing.”

“No, it’s no different than any other year,” James said. “The season is always… Every year has its own challenges and this year is no different.”

James said that his left foot pain is “not behind me” and that it is “an everyday thing.”

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer added that his time off also gave him a chance to recover from a quadriceps injury suffered in the Lakers’ 134-132 overtime loss to the Hawks in LA on Dec. 6 had contracted. That was his last game before his excused absence.

“I had the opportunity to take more days and get my mind, body and everything where I wanted it to be for tonight,” James said. “And it worked.”

James only missed two games as the Lakers were eliminated from the NBA Cup.

“If it was up to me, I probably would have played,” said James, who announced earlier this season his goal of playing in all 82 games in his 22nd year in the NBA. “It would have been hard to stop me. I have a team and I have to listen to them too. They care about my well-being.”

Lakers power forward Anthony Davis, who suffered a left shoulder injury, said the Lakers are energized with James back in the lineup.

“Had some energy that kind of energized us,” said Davis, who had a season-high 40 points and 16 rebounds. “He’s obviously struggling with some things. But I think a week off will just let him heal and get back on his feet.”

First-year Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters that he gave James space during his absence and that he was unaware of James’ routine while away from the team.

Redick added that he will adjust James’ playing time so that he doesn’t get gassed in the upcoming games.

“Not necessarily less minutes, but shorter runs so he doesn’t get exhausted, and then quicker stretches on the bench, and then he’s back at it,” Redick said.

The Lakers (14-12) play the Kings (13-13) on Thursday in Sacramento.