The Los Angeles Lakers could be entering the final year of the LeBron James era. With a lot riding on this upcoming season — including the possibility of retirement, the hunger for one last championship run, and the hope of ending on a high note — many believe this could very well be the end.
“He’s been the GOAT for so long. He’s maintained the stats. We appreciate what he brought to the game and how he’s held the mantle since (Michael) Jordan left. Bron is one of them ones. We appreciate him, but I think his time is up. We appreciate what he’s done for the league,” former Celtic Paul Pierce said.
If this is indeed James’ last ride, he wants to win a championship before he goes — or at the very least, compete for one.
“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.”
With the end near, the only question that remains is when. On his podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst gave his latest thoughts.
“I keep hearing people like this might be the last year,” Windhorst said. “This might be the last year. Look, he’s been linked to potentially playing in other leagues. I don’t know. Maybe. But if he stays healthy, I do not see LeBron James slowing down.”
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Windhorst has followed James for his entire career, so if anyone would know, it’s him. Still, he expects James to keep pushing forward. While it’s interesting to hear about the possibility of LeBron playing in another league, seeing him outside the NBA just doesn’t seem real.
The reality is this: James is only getting older, and the end is only getting closer. If he stays healthy this season, he might come back for another year — but at that point, it could be for any team of his choosing.
