LeBron James expressed his desire to see his playing days as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers come to an end, but he still wants to compete in the summer Olympics in Paris. It also seems that he may prolong his NBA career for a few more seasons.

Naturally, even he is unsure as to whether any or all of it is feasible.

James participated in his 20th All-Star Game on Sunday, setting a new record for the number of times he has been in the NBA’s midseason showcase. However, he knew coming into the game that he wouldn’t be on the floor in Indianapolis for very long due to his left ankle’s continuing treatment plan. Stephen Curry of Golden State took his place in the second half after he finished the first half with eight points in 14 minutes.

James said, “My health is definitely the most important thing to me.”
And for the majority of James’ basketball career—short-term, long-term, or whatever long he has left on his extraordinary resume—that will be the determining factor in almost every choice. Even though the Lakers have won six of their previous seven games, they are still 30-26 and ninth in the Western Conference, meaning that the playoffs are the top focus at the moment.


James said, “We’re heading in the right direction.”

Having played more minutes than anybody in NBA history, he is 39 years old. He will tie Vince Carter for the NBA record in that area if he returns this autumn for a 22nd season, which he plans to do. He maintains that he is unsure about the duration of the game he intends to play.

Right now, all eyes are on the Lakers and their playoff run. He will then make the decision on whether or not to play for USA Basketball this summer. Paris is now on his agenda.

“I made a commitment to the Olympic team before the season, but it was obviously contingent upon my health,” James said. “As things stand, I am well enough to play for the team and contribute at a level I know I can.”


The Olympic question is a little difficult.

April, May, or June might mark the conclusion of the Lakers’ season. In the event that it concludes early, James will have plenty of time to recover and prepare for the Olympics, which take place in mid-August, a U.S. training camp that begins in early July, and several exhibition games. However, if the Lakers have a successful playoff run, James may declare that he would prioritize rest and preparation for the 2024–25 NBA season over fitting an additional five or six weeks of basketball into his summer schedule.