LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James will turn 41 during the 2025-26 NBA season. The aging superstar is undoubtedly in the final stages of his career. However, despite his advancing years, the Los Angeles Lakers’ star remains on of the most impactful players in the NBA.
In a recent interview for “CGTN Sports Scene,” James sought to dispel concerns about his age.
“Nah, age doesn’t matter,” James said. “Age is just a number for sure. I definitely feel, you know, energetic. You know, anytime I’m out there on the floor trying to give everything I got to my teammates, you know, it’s about that win.”
James will enter the upcoming season as the Lakers’ second option. He was supposed to assume that role during his time with Anthony Davis; however, things never played out that way. Fortunately, with Luka Doncic now on the squad, James can lean into his playmaking and ever-improving perimeter scoring.
Of course, when needed, he can still use his elite athleticism and size to bully his way to the rim for easy scoring opportunities. James has clearly become more selective on both sides of the floor. However, even now, with him in his forties, he remains one of the most dominant talents in the world.
LeBron James Opted Into Lakers’ Player Option
Heading into this summer, James had a decision to make. He could either turn down his player option and test unrestricted free agency, or he could opt into the $52.6 million option on his contract and continue to don the purple and gold. James chose the latter.
As such, James and Doncic will now head into the new season with the aim of winning a championship. Regardless of how things play out, James will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. And, while that doesn’t mean he will leave the Lakers, it will give him an opportunity to decide whether he wants to continue playing.
James has won four championships in his career. The Lakers appear to be closing in on a championship-level roster. As such, if James believes the team will get back to the mountain top in the near future, he may choose to continue playing, in the hope of adding a fifth championship ring to his collection.
Austin Rivers Has Doubts Over James & Doncic
During a recent episode of the “Off Guard” podcast, former NBA guard Austin Rivers shared his thoughts on the James and Doncic partnership.
“I don’t like the fit with him and Luka,” Rivers said. “LeBron still wants this to be his show. Luka’s just too good for not to be his show. It worked with Kyrie. Kyrie accepted Luka as the best player. He was the Batman to his Robin. Who is the Robin in this situation? Now, LeBron is a strategic mastermind and will come out and say that ‘I am.’”
The Lakers’ star duo will have more than enough opportunity to prove Rivers and any other doubters wrong. The overall roster has been improved this summer. If James and Doncic can stay on the same page throughout the season, the Lakers will be among the front-runners to come out of the Western Conference.
If that happens, and the Lakers make the NBA Finals, a lot of doubters will be forced to change their stance on the current partnership between James and Doncic.