The Los Angeles Lakers came into the season with a three-headed monster of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. However, there was some confusion this summer when the possibility of James being traded was actually discussed. All James wants is to play for a team that is going to contend.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
After their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, James opened up about what is holding the Lakers back from being a championship team.
“You want me to compare us to them? That’s a championship team right there. We’re not. We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can. That’s why they won a championship,” James told the media.
On Thursday, James posted his first triple-double of the season against the Dallas Mavericks. Looking like his younger self, the media had to ask him questions along the lines of retirement. James didn’t hold back when talking about his ability but mentioned what will always be the determining factor.
“My game is not going anywhere … I don’t think my game will ever suffer if I decided to continue to go, however long that is. I just think it has to be [my mind]: how long can I stay in love with the process?” James said.
The truth of the matter is that James’ body will eventually reach a point where he can’t go every day. That is the day he will hang it up for good. However, on Thursday night, James was once again making his spot in the record books.
James has had a storied career—no one will ever deny that—but all good things must come to an end at some point. There is no doubt that James is starting to come to that realization rather quickly.