LeBron James, one of the most iconic figures in the history of the NBA, is undeniably a superstar. However, as he just wrapped up his 22nd NBA season, it's clear that he is closer to the end of his illustrious career than the beginning. The Los Angeles Lakers faced an early exit from the playoffs after being knocked out in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking a disappointing conclusion to the season for both James and the team. Remarkably, he stands alongside Vince Carter as the only two players in league history to have played for such a lengthy span in the NBA.
If LeBron decides to return for another season, he will make history by becoming the first player ever to participate in 23 years of NBA basketball. However, his future remains uncertain. When asked about his plans for the upcoming years, James chose not to elaborate, stating, "I don't have an answer to that. I'll sit down with my wife, family, and support group… have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. We'll see." This has been a familiar refrain for James in recent years, as he contemplates his future.
This past season was particularly significant for James as he achieved a long-standing dream by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers as the No. 55 overall pick last June. Additionally, his younger son, Bryce, is set to enter his freshman year at the University of Arizona and will be eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft. If LeBron aims to play alongside Bryce, he will need to stay with the Lakers for at least two more seasons.
As James contemplates his future, the hope remains that the Lakers can assist him in securing a fifth championship. With the midseason acquisition of Luka Dončić, the Lakers are in a stronger position to not only enhance their roster but also to alleviate some of the playmaking responsibilities from James. This strategy aims to keep him fresher throughout the demanding NBA season. Additionally, the emergence of Austin Reaves adds further depth to the team, contributing to the Lakers' potential for success.
Furthermore, the Lakers possess valuable draft capital for trades, and if James is willing to forgo some salary, they could actively engage in free agency using the mid-level exception. As James learned during the Lakers' championship run in 2019, a productive offseason can pave the way for building a championship-caliber team.
Following their first-round exit in the playoffs, the Lakers now face a critical juncture in their long-term planning, especially after the trade for Luka Dončić. With 22 seasons under his belt, there are limited milestones left for James to achieve. Next year, he could potentially break Robert Parish's record for the most regular-season games played if he suits up for at least 50 games. He already holds the all-time scoring record among numerous other accolades, including being a four-time MVP and a four-time champion.
While James could have retired years ago and still be regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, the decision of when to step away from the game looms ever larger as each season passes. The Lakers and their fans can only hope that the upcoming season will not be LeBron's last.
