The Los Angeles Lakers face their biggest offseason question as LeBron James contemplates his future at age 40.
After 22 seasons in the NBA, the superstar is taking time to evaluate whether he can maintain his elite performance level for another campaign.
While uncertainty surrounds James’ decision, one teammate believes the future Hall of Famer has plenty left in the tank.
Dalton Knecht recently shared his optimism about potentially playing alongside LeBron for years to come.
“He said he can play another 5, 10 years,” Knecht said of his teammate, according to TMZ. “So, me and ‘Bron could run it for another five, 10 years. Why not?!”
Dalton Knecht said that LeBron thinks he’s got 5-10 years left in him
(🎥 via @TMZ_Sports) pic.twitter.com/bBAMq28wWY
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) June 15, 2025
The rookie guard has already experienced quite a journey in his first NBA season.
Knecht shared the court with marquee players, including James, Anthony Davis, and Luka Doncic, while showing flashes of being a breakout candidate early in the year.
The trade deadline brought unexpected drama when the Lakers attempted to send Knecht to Charlotte.
However, the deal collapsed after Mark Williams failed his physical examination, bringing the young guard back to Los Angeles.
His status heading into the summer remains uncertain.
Knecht’s comments arrive after James posted a cryptic commercial on social media earlier this week, fueling retirement speculation across the basketball world.
Both players face murky futures with the franchise.
Knecht represents one of the Lakers’ most valuable trade assets, making him a potential piece in any deal for a center.
The organization desperately needs frontcourt help and could dangle the promising rookie to address that weakness.
Whether Knecht gets his wish to play extended minutes with James remains unclear.
A long-term partnership seems unlikely given their age difference, but LeBron has consistently defied expectations throughout his career.
The offseason will reveal whether this duo gets another chance to develop their on-court chemistry.
NEXT: LeBron James Has Honest Admission About Winning 2020 Title