Over the past seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has reached multiple peaks, broken multiple records, and brought the franchise its 17th title. While his future with the team remains unknown, James recently addressed his thoughts on what was one of the biggest moments of his career.
Speaking in an interview during his Nike tour in China, James explained the true meaning of reaching the 50,000 point total in his NBA career.
“I don’t think it’s about the record, I just think it’s a microcosm of my career, of my hard work and dedication to my craft, and my love for the game,” James said. “That moment there is an indication of that.”
LeBron James on reaching 50,000 career points 🙌
James is the NBA’s all-time points leader, and the only player in history to score more than 50,000 total points in the regular season and playoffs. Along with his record 21 All-Star selections and double-digit scoring streak, his point total will likely not be caught anytime soon.
The Future Of LeBron James
James remains impactful, as even at 40, he has finished top-20 in scoring and top-ten in assists in each of the past few years. His play at his age for the Lakers was something very few people thought was possible.
But while he set his scoring records in a Lakers uniform, the future Hall of Famer has yet to fully commit to a future with the team. James picked up his player option with Los Angeles for next season, but that puts him in line for free agency next summer, the first time he’ll have held that status in a long time.
As rumors persist on his future, either with the Lakers, another title-contender, or in retirement, an insider recently gave a telling update that changes what many thought James’ future could look like.
Speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, Brian Windhorst of ESPN said he doesn’t agree with those saying James could be entering his final season.
“I keep hearing people like this might be the last year,” Windhorst said. “This might be the last year. Look, he’s been linked to potentially playing in other leagues. I don’t know. Maybe. But if he stays healthy, I do not see LeBron James slowing down.
Reports emerged earlier in the summer of James having an interest in joining the Golden State Warriors or the Dallas Mavericks. An unknown NBA executive also said James could also have an interest in playing with his other son, Bryce James, who is currently a freshman at the University of Arizona.
James and his representation have kept his plans close to the chest, with no public knowledge of what he’ll do next.
Lakers Team In A New Era
The future of James has been a big discussion point surrounding the Lakers this summer, but instead, the team has now fully shifted its focus to Luka Doncic. Now under contract until at least 2028, the Slovenian is the franchise’s newest superstar, set to lead the team in the ‘post-LeBron James era.’
In hopes of putting a strong roster around Doncic in his first full season with the team, the Lakers added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia over the summer to bolster their lack of depth and rim-protection.
But regardless of the additions, James isn’t the only player the Lakers are unsure will stick around for the future. Earlier in the summer, it was reported that Austin Reaves turned down a contract offer from the franchise.
The rising star is set to join James in free agency next summer, and it might be difficult for Rob Pelinka and the front office to re-sign the scorer. Reaves expressed his interest in staying with the team for the long term, but he has yet to agree on a deal.
Most recently, Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported Reaves could become an unrestricted free agent next summer as he is looking for an even bigger deal the Lakers originally offered.
Still, the goal and hope internally for the Lakers is to see Doncic and Reaves be a viable pair moving forward,” Irwin added. “They’ve already rewarded Doncic with his contract extension and, if this season goes well, would look forward to doing the same for Reaves’ next deal.”
Doncic is in for the long haul, but the same can’t yet be said about Reaves, let alone James.
LeBron James Reveals Truth On Making NBA History With Lakers