LeBron James is entering his 23rd season in the NBA. In doing so, he will become the first player in league history to reach that milestone. Following a disappointing season that saw the Lakers being knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the annual discussion regarding LeBron’s career has surfaced. The discussion always poses the same question: How much time does LeBron have left in his playing career? As preseason preparations begin, reports have come out stating that he ‘feels good’ ahead of the Lakers’ training camp.
LeBron James has been considering his future for some time now
With every season that passes, the TV pundits and personalities inevitably bring up LeBron’s age and the playing time that he has left on his biological clock. Despite 22 seasons in the top flight of basketball, LeBron’s performances have not lingered or slowed down. This season, Lebron averaged 24.4 points per game along with 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds, earning him an All-Star selection.
The James family is LeBron’s major advisor in his career
LeBron stated that he wished to play alongside his son Bronny before he considered retirement. Now that Bronny is playing for the Lakers under LeBron’s watchful eye, that wish has been fulfilled. He credits his family as his major advisor and has stated that his wife and kids are the driving force behind his amazing longevity. His other son, Bryce, would be eligible for the draft in 2026. However, LeBron has stated that playing with Bryce might be a stretch too far.
LeBron had a disappointing season this year and suffered a sprained ligament in his left knee during the Lakers’ playoff run. Despite having Luka Doncic on their roster, the Lakers were weak in the paint, and some have questioned whether that would have been the case if Anthony Davis were still with the Lakers. Regardless, LeBron has taken the time to discuss his future with his family, and his thoughts seem to be unchanged. He still wants to play.
What has Lebron said regarding his future in the NBA?
Following the knee injury that LeBron suffered during the playoffs, questions began to arise as to how much more punishment his body could take. LeBron has an intense training regimen that has enabled the four-time NBA Finals MVP to continue playing in a demanding league for so long. He has stated on numerous occasions that his decision comes down to how his body is feeling.
According to reports from ESPN and the Associated Press, LeBron has stated that his knee is ‘feels good’ ahead of the Lakers’ training camp, due to start soon. He recently put to bed the rumors surrounding his training regimen price, and is facing a future as the highest scoring player in NBA history. The world got a glimpse into the Lakers’ preparation for next season when Luka Doncic posted a video of his training regimen following heavy criticism this season.
Can LeBron and Luka lead the Lakers to glory next season?
LeBron is known as one of the best playoff players in NBA history. It takes a different type of player to perform at the same level that they did during the regular season when the playoffs come around. LeBron is that player; this season, he averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, shooting 48.9% from the field and 35.7% from deep during the playoffs. With a fitter Luka Doncic, can those types of numbers be enough to bring glory back to Los Angeles?
LeBron James still has some considerable fight left in him
With Luka Doncic committing his future to the Lakers, LeBron is an integral part of the Lakers’ short-term plans to win a title. James is still due to receive a player option for next season that will pay him more than $56.2 million. At his wise age of 40, Lebron has been playing in the NBA longer than some of the current draft class have been alive. That has established LeBron as one of the world’s premier athletes, regardless of sporting discipline. As the NBA reports that James ‘feels good’ ahead of the Lakers’ training camp, all eyes will be on LeBron and how he performs next season.
