As he gets ready for his 23rd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James stated that his first priority is recovering from an injured left knee before training camp starts in late September.
When the Lakers lost to Minnesota in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs in April, the 40-year-old superstar sprained his ligament. The knee feels "excellent," LeBron James told The Associated Press, although he stressed the significance of achieving complete wellness.
Entering his fourth decade in the NBA, LeBron James emphasized that staying in top physical shape is still essential to playing at a high level.
When training camp starts in late September, James told the AP, "I have a lot of time to take care of my injuries, my knee, and the rest of my body and make sure I am as close to 100 percent as possible."
LeBron James stated that his family was the main reason he kept playing past the normal retirement age for most athletes. The chance to play with his son Bronny, who also joined the Lakers roster, continues to drive him.
The four-time winner expressed gratitude to his wife, Savannah, and their three kids for encouraging him to keep playing. Despite his old age for an NBA player, LeBron James said they have never put any pressure on him to retire.
"They say things like, 'Dad, keep on with your dream. You have this dream. Maintain your attention. "You have supported us the entire time," LeBron James remarked. "It is much simpler when you have that kind of support."
LeBron James has not committed to a precise retirement date, but he does have a player option valued at over $56.2 million for the upcoming season. He was named to the All-NBA team last season after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds.
LeBron James promised to accept less money during the previous offseason if the Lakers could get certain free agents to commit. Following the Lakers' acquisition of Luka Doncic in a trade package for Anthony Davis before the 2025 deadline, no comparable salary sacrifice is anticipated this offseason.
Although the Lakers player admitted that he has not set a firm end date, he noted that retirement ideas are normal at this point in his career. James described it as "crazy" but not impossible to play with his younger son, Bryce, who will be eligible for the draft in 2026.
Another significant development from today's sporting events
Before they clock in for the draft, the Sixers and Hornets are making trade offers for the No. 3 and No. 4 picks.
The Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers have informed clubs that they plan to keep an eye out for trade proposals for the third and fourth picks, respectively, until the draft on Wednesday, June 25.
Teams behind the Utah Jazz, who select at number five, have not encouraged trade proposals for their selection. From No. 6, the Washington Wizards could be a contender to go up.
The Spurs' willingness to consider trading out of No. 2 is becoming increasingly doubtful.
It is unknown exactly which players were chosen after Cooper Flagg at number one and Dylan Harper at number two; however, it is quite likely that VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Kneuppel, and Khaman Maluach will be included.
One executive from the Eastern Conference stated, "If it is not those eight in the top eight, it will be seven of those eight."
The team most likely to trade out of the top ten is the Toronto Raptors, who have the No. 9 pick. The Raptors are considering center possibilities later in the first round since Maluach has a high chance of being chosen before Toronto is on the clock.