It was a great season for LeBron James. In his 21st year, at 39 years old, LBJ was still playing at an elite level. This season, he played a total of 71 games. The last time he played more than 70 was during the 2016–2017 season. Moreover, his season stats of 26-8-7 is very similar to his 2012 MVP season (27 PPG, 6 APG, 8 RPG).
Although the Lakers seemed to have a surplus of talent, it still wasn’t enough to take down the reigning champs, the Denver Nuggets, in the first round. After being eliminated, all eyes are on The King, and fans are already asking – Will LeBron return to the Lakers next season, or has he played his last game with the purple and gold?
LeBron James, when asked if this will be the last time he dons the Laker uniform:“I’m not going to answer that.”
LeBron will be entering his 22nd season as an NBA player, and he obviously still has a lot of gas left in his tank. But, his time with the Lakers is questionable. The 4-time MVP has a player option next season, but after losing to Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, and the Nuggets for two straight occasions, LBJ might “take his talents” elsewhere again.
But, during the exit interviews, when asked if he had already played his last game as a Laker, LeBron just shrugged it off and told the reporter, “I’m not going to answer that.”. Well, it was a disappointing run for the Lakers, but LeBron already did so much for the franchise. It’ll be only a couple of months until we truly know what’s next for LBJ. Note that he’ll be turning 40 years old next year.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is optimistic about recruiting LeBron James to the Lakers for another season
AD was obviously devastated after losing to Denver, especially since Murray made two game-winning shots over him. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old defensive big man stated he would do everything to keep LeBron as a Laker.
He added that since they’ll be spending a lot of time together this summer as members of Team USA, Davis believes he can recruit LeBron for another year or so.
However, it may take more than AD’s words to keep LeBron in Los Angeles
Davis may encourage LeBron James to stay and run it back for one last time… or not. Considering that it would always depend on James’ final decision, AD’s recruitment may take a lot more time than it did this summer.
Of course, the chance of playing alongside Bronny would come to play, given that the young James could potentially enter the 2024 NBA draft. Other ways of trying to lure Bron back would be:
- Firing Darvin Ham. Tension is brewing in the Lakers locker room, and after the uneventful first round loss, it may be time to relieve Ham of his position.
- Adding more firepower. All-Star guards Trae Young and DeMar DeRozan are all rumored to be possible additional pieces to the Lakers lineup. Another much needed presence is a reliable 3-and-D wing player. However, all of these would come at a huge price, possibly giving up the likes of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves.
What’s next for LeBron?
As he mentioned in his exit interview, LeBron will be focusing on his family first and then suiting up for Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The star-studded squad is set for a training camp in Vegas this summer. The National Team, which is comprised of LeBron, Davis, Durant, Curry, Embiid, and more, is probably the greatest team assembled since 2012.
This may be a tough pill for Lakers fans to swallow, but LeBron could look for another opportunity outside of Los Angeles. There are rumours that he’s going to call it a career where it all began, Cleveland, or maybe a franchise that brought his first ring, the Miami Heat. Regardless of his decision, it’s already been a wonderful two decades of greatness.
