Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Despite considering retiring this offseason, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has finally decided to return for his 21st NBA season.
Although no one really expected James to retire when James mentioned the possibility of retirement after the Lakers were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, but for a man who is about to turn 39 and has accomplished everything , which is still a natural thing. In the NBA, wonder how much longer he can play.
But after getting his foot healthy and seeing the work Rob Pelinka did in the offseason to improve the Lakers, James feels refreshed heading into the 2023-24 season and ready to bring another championship to Los Angeles
LeBron discussed his motivation for the upcoming season after Saturday’s practice and how excited he is for this Lakers team, via Jovan Buha, Athletico:
“I just think it’s just motivation for me to continue to do the best I can and solidify what I want to do in my career and still see the Larry O’Brien Trophy in my mind every day. So that’s my career One of the four best moments of my career, being able to lift that trophy. So, just that motivation. But I also want to be a legend in this game and have my game speak for itself long after I finish playing it. But this The team inspires me as well. Coming to training every day and watching the players go to work every day and challenge each other to try to get better every day and achieve what we want to do. So that’s motivating as well.”
When James is healthy, he is still one of the best players in the NBA. He had 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in 48 minutes against the Nuggets in last season’s playoffs, and even though he wasn’t 100 percent healthy, he was instrumental in getting the Lakers to this point. It played an important role.
Part of what makes him so excited for this season is the Lakers’ added depth, which should help them maintain a workload throughout the regular season to stay fresh for the playoffs. Last year, the Lakers got off to a 2-10 start and had to climb up the Western Conference standings and make the playoffs to make the playoffs, which wasn’t a luxury the Lakers had.
With many players returning after trades and the addition of quality players such as Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince and Christian Wood, the Lakers are expected to get off to a strong start in the regular season. This will allow LeBron to manage his daily workload, which has been a big talking point throughout training camp.
LeBron James is the oldest active player in the NBA
With Andre Iguodala and Udonis Haslem officially announcing their retirements this offseason, LeBron James now becomes the oldest player in the NBA.
James, who turns 39 in December, is followed by Philadelphia 76ers’ P.J. Tucker and Golden State Warriors good friend Chris Paul on the list of oldest active players.
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