LeBron James, 38, may not win the greatest debate of all time, but he has been winning the longevity debate.
He averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game last season while shooting 50.0% from the field. The year before, he averaged 30.3 points per game, the second-highest scoring average of his career. As long as the right foot injury that hampered him late last season is fully healed, he seems likely to have elite or near-elite performance again.
James has become the greatest 30-year-old player in NBA history, and now he’s chasing the longevity of legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who won two Super Bowls in his 40s.
In an interview with Los Angeles Sports Center, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said she could see James playing five more seasons.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if LeBron (James) plays another five years. We’ve seen him do things over the last few seasons that we’ve never seen before. But it’s his decision. “
James currently has two seasons left on his contract, including the upcoming 2023-24 season. He can opt out of the deal and become a free agent at the end of next season.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire