LeBron James might be 40 now, but don’t count him out just yet. The Los Angeles Lakers legend hasn’t formally accepted his $52.2 million player option, but from the sound of things, he’s gearing up for at least one more run in the NBA.
Speaking to the Associated Press on Tuesday, James gave a positive update about his knee, saying he’s feeling “good” and is focusing on getting it fully right before training camp kicks off. The update, also reported by ABC 7 News, is likely a huge relief for Lakers fans who were left wondering what the future might hold after the team’s abrupt playoff exit.
James, who picked up a knock to his left knee during the Lakers’ elimination game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, is recovering from an MCL injury. It happened after a collision with Timberwolves guard Dante DiVincenzo. While he initially had to leave the court, he later returned and played out the rest of the game. Still, the Lakers fell short, losing 103-96 and crashing out of the playoffs.
In the aftermath of that defeat, James wasn’t ready to talk about his future. “I’m not going to answer that,” he said when asked about what’s next. Fair enough — emotions were probably still raw. But now, weeks later, his focus on rehab and readiness strongly hints that he’s leaning toward sticking around.
Though LeBron didn’t directly address his contract during this latest update, insiders believe he’ll pick up his player option and be back in purple and gold for his 23rd season. That expectation hasn’t changed much, but the knee injury and the fact that he’s now in his forties certainly cast a bit of doubt over what’s ahead.
What’s clear, though, is that James knows he’s closer to the end than the beginning. He’s made no secret of that, openly acknowledging that the twilight of his career is approaching. According to the Associated Press, he’s said he’ll be listening to his body and his family before making any big calls about retirement.
It’s a sobering reality for fans who’ve grown up watching LeBron dominate the league for two decades. But for now, it looks like the King’s not quite ready to abdicate his throne.
For those keeping score, if James does return next season, it’ll be yet another milestone in an already astonishing career. He’s got more minutes under his belt than anyone in NBA history, countless records, and a legacy that’s all but cemented.
Of course, things could still change — this is professional sport, after all. But from the sounds of it, all signs point to LeBron giving it another go, assuming his body cooperates.
So, while nothing’s official just yet, it’s safe to say the NBA world is expecting LeBron back — and possibly more motivated than ever.