Rumors surround Lakers' star LeBron James as he's predicted to continue playing for at least one more season.
Brief Return of the King: LeBron James' 23rd Season With the Lakers?
With LeBron James' 40th birthday fast approaching, speculation is rife that the legendary basketball player will take to the court for at least one more season, following the Los Angeles Lakers' premature playoff exit in the 2024-25 campaign. This hype comes from none other than ESPN's Shams Charania, who recently asserted on The Pat McAfee Show that retirement isn't even a blip on LeBron's radar.
"Ain't no retirement talk for the King," Charania mentioned, "My understanding is he'll play at least another NBA season."
The 2024-25 season marked James' 22nd in the league, as the Lakers fell short against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a crushing five-game series during the Western Conference playoffs. Even so, James managed to hold his ground, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and one swipe per game while shooting an impressive 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three. It was the first season since his rookie campaign in 2003-04 that he averaged fewer than 25 points per game.
In the postseason, James ramped up his game. Over the series, he maintained an average of 25.4 points, nine rebounds, 5.6 assists, two steals, and 1.8 blocks in 40.7 minutes per game, shooting 48.9% from the floor and 35.7% from beyond the arc. During the series, he led the Lakers in rebounds, steals, and blocks.
The Long Game: LeBron, Lakers, and the 23rd Season 🏀
Should LeBron head into the 2025-26 season, it would mark the most in league history - 23 solid years in the basketball universe for the number 23. Charania points out that this milestone, along with other unique factors, may influence James' decision to keep playing. After all, the All-Star Game is landing in the heart of Los Angeles, and with a plethora of stars aligning for the upcoming season, what better stage for The King?
James is nearing his 41st birthday in December, but age hasn't yet taken a significant toll on his athleticism. Furthermore, the prospect of sharing the court with his youngest son, Bryce James, who could potentially be draft-eligible in 2026, might entice LeBron to keep playing even after the 2025-26 season.
As the Lakers gear up for a crucial offseason, replete with roster decisions and coaching staff changes, the presence of LeBron James remains the cornerstone of the franchise. Regardless of his decision, the legendary player's continuity ensures that the Lakers will remain a key player in both basketball and business terms, with his longevity continuing to shape the NBA landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story. #LeBronJames #Lakers #NBA23 #AllStarGame2025 #Byssteez
- If LeBron James decides to play in the 2025-26 season, it would mark the most seasons in league history for any player - an impressive 23 years in the NBA.
- ESPN's Shams Charania suggests that unique factors, such as the All-Star Game being held in Los Angeles and the alignment of stars for the upcoming season, may influence LeBron's decision to continue playing.
- Despite approaching his 41st birthday in December, LeBron's athleticism has not yet been significantly affected by age.
- The prospect of sharing the court with his youngest son, Bryce James, who could potentially be draft-eligible in 2026, could motivate LeBron to play beyond the 2025-26 season.
- With LeBron James' continued presence, the Los Angeles Lakers remain a significant player in both basketball and business terms, shaping the NBA landscape.
- As the Lakers prepare for a crucial offseason filled with roster decisions and coaching staff changes, the ongoing saga of LeBron James' decision to continue playing will undoubtedly be a key storyline to follow. #LeBronJames #Lakers #NBA23 #AllStarGame2025 #Byssteez
