On June 17, Beijing time, as he was preparing to start his 23rd NBA season, Lakers superstar LeBron James was interviewed by the Associated Press. He said his priority was to get his left knee healthy in time for training camp to begin.
James, 40, has revealed that he is currently feeling "good" in his knee since suffering a sprained ligament in the season finale of the first round of the playoffs against the Timberwolves in April. He emphasises that staying fit remains key to maintaining his top level.
"I had plenty of time to deal with injuries and knee problems, to take care of the rest of my body.Make sure to get as close to 100% as possible when the camp starts in late September。”
James admits that he still enjoys his daily high-intensity training and has never lost his desire to compete. His main motivation to move on is due to his wife, Savannah, and three children — his eldest son, Bronny, who also plays for the Lakers, is eager for the opportunity to play with his son; The second son, Bryce, is about to start his college career at the University of Arizona; His youngest daughter, Julie, is chasing her volleyball dreams, which inspires him.
James has a player option worth more than $56.2 million next season. He mentioned that the children never pressured him to end his career, which was the most gratifying thing for him.
"They'll say, 'Daddy, keep chasing your dreams.'" It's your dream, focus on it. You've been working for us. 'When you have that kind of support...... Everything has become so much easier. ”
In the 2024-25 season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game and was named to the NBA All-NBA Second Team. Although he knows that his legendary career will eventually come to an end, he has not yet set a specific timeline.If he can make it until 2026, when Bryce qualifies for the draft, he thinks it will be "incredible."
"At this stage of your career, it's natural to think about the end," he said, "and you think, is this the end of the year?" Or next year? These ideas will always emerge quietly at this stage. But I didn't set a specific schedule or date for it, and I'm also watching the feedback from the body and family. ”