Los Angles Lakers star LeBron James addresses his NBA future in the midst of his 23rd season in the league.
Will this season be the last for Lebron James in the NBA? He’s understandably started to show signs of being 41 years old and in his 23rd season but is still one of the biggest stars in the league and an impact player for the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s a question of how long he sees that lasting. Oftentimes, stars’ careers abruptly run their course before they’re able to come to terms with it, and it seems like James is certainly considering the mortality of his.
He was asked about his future after playing in his 22nd NBA All-Star game and coming off a historical recent triple-double against the Dallas Mavericks with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.
"I could, but I don't know. It's not like my game is deteriorating. I have so much knowledge of the game that I know how to still continue to make an impact. I can still do so many things on the floor," he said.
While currently locked in with the Lakers looking for a run in the postseason, it’s fair to think he’s assessing the future past that. He’s had a long NBA career, largely in part due to having his body remain durable throughout his career, with no major injuries derailing any seasons or generally, many issues at all. He’s never played less than 55 games in a year outside of the shortened Covid season. However, that could happen fast. Would James be willing to still play if not at his full strength?
Here is the full story from Lakers Roundtable writer Jeremy Lambert on James’ future and his impact that remains through his 23rd NBA season.
Los Angeles is currently No. 5 in the Western Conference with a 33-21 record, and while James has had less scoring impact on those wins, the Lakers also have a more talented backcourt around him now in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. There’s no denying that James is more valuable than some players half his age. If he stays in the NBA, the future question is: where? He’s set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which will be fascinating to watch.