LeBron James only needs one 40th birthday present from the Lakers: a chance to win his fifth ring.
The question looms large as he approaches this milestone: Will he secure that elusive title before hanging up his sneakers?
With four championships across three franchises, James has left an indelible mark on the NBA. He solidified his legacy by leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the 2016 Finals, boldly declaring himself the greatest player of all time. His triumph with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 “Bubble” further cemented his status, though opinions on that title’s legitimacy vary.
James has reached the Finals with both the Miami Heat and Cavaliers for eight consecutive years and has surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s all-time leading scorer. This season, he made history by sharing the court with his son, Bronny, after the Lakers selected him with the 55th pick last summer. In his 22nd season, he continues to defy expectations, playing at an elite level.
He has often stated that his career will last as long as his mind and body allow him. Physically, he remains a force, boasting eight triple-doubles this season and averaging 23.5 points on nearly 50% shooting. In stark contrast, Vince Carter, the only other player to span 22 seasons, averaged only five points per game.
But what about his mental state?
At a recent practice, James reflected on his journey, admitting he never imagined playing at 40. “Of course not,” he quipped, adding that he still finds the game “extremely fun.” He expressed his desire to finish his career with the Lakers, labeling them a “very good team,” though he expressed doubts about their championship prospects this season.
When asked if winning would influence his decision to extend his career, he responded, “I don’t know. Possibly,” while asserting he could still play at this level for another “five to seven years,” though he is not inclined to do so.
James seemed upbeat, especially with Anthony Davis planning to gift him some fine wine. The Lakers also provided an early birthday present by trading for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, hoping to enhance their title chances.
The Lakers sent D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in this deal. Finney-Smith, known for his three-point shooting and defensive skills, could significantly improve the team’s spacing. This move comes after concerns about Russell’s inconsistent performance and maturity over the past two and a half seasons.
However, this trade does not necessarily signal that the Lakers are now legitimate contenders.
The focus now shifts to how the Lakers will utilize their three tradable first-round picks. Will general manager Rob Pelinka risk the future to secure a star player before James’s attention wanes? This decision could be pivotal in determining the team’s success while one of the greatest players in history remains on the roster.
James’s outlook can fluctuate. In the locker room, he often jokes about feeling fatigued and has voiced his frustrations with the Lakers’ struggles over the past four seasons.
During a difficult stretch in February 2023, he told FOX Sports, “I still feel like I’ve got plenty of gas in this tank to help any franchise win a championship.” His use of the word “any” raised eyebrows, hinting at his desire for the Lakers to bolster their roster. The front office responded by trading Russell Westbrook and making several additions, which helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals. However, after being swept by the Denver Nuggets, James hinted at retirement.
Now that he has achieved so much, the stakes are clear: if the Lakers do not compete this season, James may not remain committed for long.
Recently, James emphasized he is not “playing until the wheels fall off,” indicating uncertainty about how many years he has left.
The potential is there for this Lakers team. James continues to perform at an elite level, and Anthony Davis has showcased MVP-caliber play. The supporting cast, including Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht, has also shown promise. Currently, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference with an 18-13 record. With strategic adjustments, they could become a formidable team.
The Lakers must act swiftly. After a lack of moves at last year’s trade deadline, time is running out, symbolizing the urgency of James’s career.
When he decides to retire, it will be when the joy of the game fades.
His combination of strength and skill remains impressive. Consider his role in Team USA’s gold medal run at the Paris Olympics, where the then-39-year-old was named MVP, consistently performing at a high level.
The narrative of James defying Father Time continues to resonate.
He humorously acknowledges the aging process in Nike commercials, often joking about his graying beard. Younger players, like Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton, affectionately refer to him as “grandpa.” When asked about being the oldest player in the league this season, he dramatically placed his hands on his face and exclaimed.
James continues to enjoy the game, embracing the playful jabs about his age. He relishes watching his son compete professionally and remains unfazed by critics, recently silencing doubts after a rough shooting streak by delivering a triple-double against Detroit and a remarkable 31-point game against Golden State.
James is simply being himself.
The question remains: how much longer will he want to embrace this role?
He has faced immense pressure since being labeled “The Chosen One” at 18 by Sports Illustrated. He often reflects on missing family milestones due to his commitments. Daily, he invests hours in maintaining his physical condition while navigating the mental challenges that come with stardom. Recently, he even stepped back from social media to alleviate the mental burden.
In return, he seeks a genuine opportunity to win.
To truly win.
Now, it falls to the Lakers to determine if they can make his 40th year memorable—or if they must prepare for his focus to drift.
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LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers
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