The end of LeBron James’ basketball career is nigh, but how much longer he has left is unknown at this time. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, James’ current intention is to play a couple more seasons before stepping back if the Lakers fail to contend.
“LeBron James wants to play 2-3 more years but might not push the limits if the Lakers can’t contend,” Amick told reporters. “If the Lakers don’t make any big moves I know it will be, to some degree, uncomfortable and I think it’s fair to report that if it happens there will be. conversation between their camp and the Lakers about why and where is this going and how do you see it vs how do we see it.”
LeBron James may be approaching 40, but he’s still in the business of winning. After averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game on 54% shooting this season, LeBron demonstrated that he is still one of the best and can keep his All-Star status until he retires.
With a $51 million player option for next season, LeBron has a big decision to make this summer, and it’s no secret that it will be predicated on how he wants to spend his final years in the NBA.
If the Lakers make some changes to maximise their roster, James is likely to stay and help them make one last stand. If the Lakers decide to run it back next season, LeBron may seriously question his allegiance. At the very least, he’ll hold back his talent and glide through the final games.
The heat is on the Lakers this summer, and it’s evident that the players, as well as new head coach JJ Redick, want to be in contention for the championship, which means that a lot of work must be done to better their chances.
The Lakers Had Been Waiting For This Free Agency
This summer will be critical for the Purple and Gold. With their championship tandem in peril, the Lakers will need to persuade LeBron (a four-time NBA champion) that they can compete with rising West challengers such as the Thunder, Grizzlies, Nuggets, Mavericks, and Timberwolves.
This offseason has been carefully planned for years. They’ve passed on talents like Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, and others in anticipation of this summer, and they’ll need to capitalise on it if they want to justify what they’ve been selling for years.
“The Lakers have been hyping this period for quite some time as kind of the thing off in the distance they would be able to move for a player of real significance,” Amick told ESPN. “And really justifying patience earlier because of this spot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
In many ways, the 2024 summer represents a watershed moment for the Lakers franchise, with significant consequences for how LeBron closes his career. If he had his way, he’d spend his final two seasons in Los Angeles with his son, competing in the playoffs each year. However, with so many variables at play, it is hard to predict how this will end for the Lakers and how much better or worse they will be when the following season begins.
