The Los Angeles Lakers are entering this season and don’t know how long LeBron James plans to participate.
James, who turned 41 in December, is the oldest active player in the NBA and will land on unrestricted free agents for the first time since 2018.
“Now, as far as LeBron’s future is concerned, I know there’s a lot of speculation,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst addressed the uncertainty in his podcast. “From my conversation, honestly they don’t know. As far as I know, he told the truth, is this his last year? Yes. Yes. Yes. Is this his last year? I don’t know. Does he know now? Maybe it’s my explanation. But my explanation is that it’s not established. He will see where he is at the end of the year.”
James brings together one of the most accomplished professions in league history. The four-time MVP has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), the Miami Heat and the Lakers, winning four championships. He is the only player in the top five in two points and assists of all time, with a career average of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks next season.
If he decides to continue playing before the season, several teams are expected to line up.
“Cleveland, Dallas and Golden State, these are the three teams I’m looking at,” an NBA executive told Dalash Junonal. “These three guys all want to trade for him (LeBron James) this offseason, but he never asked for a deal, he made too much money. Once he entered the open market, these three guys would propose to him. I have no doubts.”
Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games, finishing sixth in MVP votes and landings among the second team in the NBA. Whether he chooses to retire or extend his career, the basketball world is ready for his decision.
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