The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a season that could be the last for LeBron James as he begins year 23 of his long career. That means the end is near, though exactly when still remains uncertain. James has been in an unusual situation with the Lakers this offseason, and his agent Rich Paul has put the ball in Rob Pelinka’s court.
“It’s important not to worry about the future when it comes to LeBron James,” Charania said, quoting Paul, whom he spoke to earlier in the day. “Just appreciate the present and also maximizing his present. And that, obviously, that onus, potentially falling on the Lakers, and what team they put around him.”
However, during Pelinka’s and JJ Redick’s opening press conference, he put the ball back into James’ court.
“The first thing we want to do in terms of LeBron and his future is just give him absolute respect to choose his story with his family in terms of how many years he's going to continue to play," Pelinka said. "He's earned that right."
Monday marked media day for the Lakers’ players. James was noncommittal on specifics, but his comments suggest the end is very near.
“Obviously I want to be out there as much as I can ... but we know where I'm at and the coaching staff knows where I'm at as far as me getting to a place where we're all good as far as getting on the court,” James said. “It's Year 23 from me. I got a lot of miles on my game. I've trained throughout the course of the offseason, but just my presence is going to be important as well. Making sure that even if I'm not on the floor, I'm always in tune to what we're doing so I know what's going on at all times.”
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That could be a big hint from James that playing in 60 or 65 games might not be on the agenda this season. Instead, he may focus more on himself and helping the team in ways beyond just game time. It helps to have Luke Doncic on the roster when this is the mindset going into the year.
Even if it might not always show on the court, James’ body is starting to become a major factor—something that naturally happens with age. What he is still accomplishing, however, is unheard of, and year 23 could very well be his last.