The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the season not knowing how much longer LeBron James plans to play.
James, who turns 41 in December, is the NBA’s oldest active player and will hit unrestricted free agency next summer for the first time since 2018.
“Now, as far as LeBron’s future, I know there’s a lot of speculation,” Brian Windhorst of ESPN addressed the uncertainty on his podcast. “Based on my conversations, I honestly think they don’t know. As far as I know, he’s honestly going year to year. Could this be his last year? Yes. Will it be his last year? I don’t know. Does he know right now? Maybe. But my interpretation is that it has not been established. He will see where he’s at at the end of the year.”
James has put together one of the most accomplished careers in league history. The four-time MVP has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers, winning four championships. He is the only player ever to rank top five all-time in both points and assists, entering next season with career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks.
If he decides to keep playing beyond this season, several teams are expected to line up.
“Cleveland, Dallas and Golden State, those are the three teams I’m looking at,” one NBA executive told DallasHoopsJournal. “All three would have loved to trade for him (LeBron James) this offseason, but he never requested a trade and he makes way too much money. Once he’s on the open market, those three will court him. I have no doubt in my mind.”
Last season James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games, finishing sixth in MVP voting and landing on the All-NBA Second Team. Whether he chooses to retire or extend his career, the basketball world is bracing for his decision.
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