LeBron James is preparing to enter his 20th season in the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers star has no plans of slowing down.
James addressed his future May 16 in a long-awaited Q&A on Twitter, answering a bevy of questions from fans.
“The way I feel, I can go on for a min to be honest,” James responded when asked how many years he has left. “It’s really up to me and my mental staying fresh/sharp! I’m still psycho driven!”
@aaronxo10 The way I feel, I can go on for a min to be honest. It’s really up to me and my mental staying fresh/sharp! I’m still psycho driven!
James has been hobbled by injuries the last two seasons, playing in only 101 games, but he remains one of the top talents in the league, putting up MVP-caliber numbers night in and night out. In 2021-2022, he just missed out on the scoring title, averaging 30.3 points to go with 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists.
Though James had personal success statistically, the Lakers struggled, missing the playoffs despite a starting lineup featuring future Hall of Famers Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. L.A. finished the year 33-49 and on the outside looking in on – even missing the play-in tournament.
“I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish, but I’m still hungry for more,” James said in his April 11 exit interview. “I’m confident that this organization wants the same. That’s what this organization has always been about. And I also want to just change the narrative of how this franchise can compete at a high level again.”
LeBron James Still Determined to Play With Son
James also doubled down in the Q&A on another plan: playing with his 17-year-old son, Bronny.
“That’s the plan! God willing,” James wrote.
@Pentrilx That’s the plan! God willing 🙏🏾🤞🏾
James has one year left on his deal with the Lakers. After that, he would become a free agent. He could leave his future open-ended and hope to sign wherever Bronny — who is not draft-eligible for two more years — lands.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James said in a story published in The Athletic in February. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
James was asked whether Bronny had ever beaten him one-on-one and said it’s still up in the air.
“The last time we actually played I shattered the backboard on a dunk so we couldn’t finish the game,” he wrote.
James Has Big Love for Luka Doncic
James also showed some love to some current and former NBA stars, saying he’d take Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant or the late Kobe Bryant in a 2-on-2 game against Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
He also noted that Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is his favorite player under 25 at the moment. The 23-year-old Doncic is fresh off a 35-point, 10-rebound performance in a blowout against the Phoenix Suns that helped Dallas punch their ticket to the Western Conference Finals.
“LUKA is my fav player,” James responded.
@GeffroiRecabar LUKA. He’s my fav player!!
Luckily for James, he’ll get to see some more Doncic in the postseason. His Mavs are set to open their series against the Golden State Warriors on May 18.
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Lakers Star LeBron James Sends Strong Message on Retirement