LeBron James says two doctors recommended season-ending surgery on a torn tendon in his right foot, but he has decided to finish out the season on the court with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James returned to the Lakers on Sunday after a monthlong absence with what he revealed was a significant tendon injury. He wasn’t in the starting lineup for only the second time in his 20-year NBA career, but he still led the Lakers with 19 points in their 118-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

The NBA’s career scoring leader hadn’t played since Feb. 26, when he complained of right foot soreness after a win at Dallas. James considered surgery after getting the sobering diagnosis, but his teammates’ outstanding play down the stretch and his own inner determination contributed to his decision to keep playing.

James also said his doctors told him that he was “healing faster than anybody they’ve seen before with the injury.”

One more factor contributed to his decision: James got a third opinion from an unnamed foot specialist.

James returned with eight games left in the Lakers’ regular season as they attempt to avoid missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year and the third time in James’ five seasons in Los Angeles.