The Los Angeles Lakers' season came to an early end after a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing the series in just five games.
Despite the early playoff exit, it was another remarkable year for LeBron James, who turned 40 in December. In his 22nd NBA season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds while playing 34.9 minutes per game.
He shot 51.3% from the field and an impressive 37.6% from beyond the arc, helping guide the Lakers to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. He did so alongside Anthony Davis during the first half of the season and later Luka Doncic, whom the Lakers acquired before the trade deadline.
On Friday, the NBA announced its All-NBA teams, and James was named to the All-NBA Second Team—an extraordinary achievement in his 22nd season.
"21 All-NBA selections for the King," the Lakers posted.
LeBron James has nothing left to prove in his NBA career, which has sparked ongoing discussions about how much longer he plans to play. While all signs currently point to him returning for a 23rd season—making him the longest-tenured player in NBA history—James has openly acknowledged that the end is near.
Following the Lakers’ playoff elimination on May 1, James stated he would need to sit down with his family before making any decisions about his future.
I don’t know. I don’t have an answer to that,” James said. “Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and just kind of talk through it and see what happens. Just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don’t know the answer to that right now, to be honest. So, we’ll see.”
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The list of accolades from LeBron James’ legendary career could go on endlessly. Yet, among all his accomplishments, perhaps the most meaningful came this season—when he became the first player in NBA history to share the court with his son, Bronny, forming the league’s first-ever father-son duo.
“No. 1. For sure. That’s easy. It’s not even close,” James said. “To be able to play the game that I love and to be able to be along my son this whole year has been one of the most gratifying, satisfying journeys I’ve ever been on."