LeBron James has left an enduring mark of success throughout his career in the NBA, along with meaningful friendships built across the teams he has played for. Perhaps for that reason, and because of his extraordinary skill on the court, his teammates are hoping he decides to extend his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 40-year-old veteran still has one year remaining on his current deal with the Lakers. However, both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves would like to see him stay beyond that and continue competing alongside them, even as he approaches his 41st birthday.
According to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, the two stars have expressed their desire for James to remain part of the team for as long as possible, believing his presence continues to elevate the franchise on and off the court.
Doncic and Reaves, for their part, love playing with James and want the partnership to continue, sources told ESPN.
Still, this is a decision that the Lakers’ front office will ultimately have to evaluate carefully. As seen last season, the organization is focused on building its future around younger talent, with Doncic now serving as the cornerstone of that project. Even so, having a player with LeBron’s résumé and leadership continues to be invaluable to the team’s development and championship aspirations.
For James, retirement is starting to feel closer. It’s a natural process, he will turn 41 in December, and his body no longer responds the way it once did. That reality is underscored by his current absence from the court, as he recovers from a right-sided sciatica issue that is expected to sideline him for three to four weeks.
I’m excited about the opportunity to play the game that I love for another season… And however the journey lays out this year, I’m just super invested. Because, like you said, I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later.
That was how LeBron expressed himself recently, acknowledging both his passion for the game and the awareness that his career is entering its final chapters.
For Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, their admiration for LeBron goes beyond his on-court abilities. They deeply respect what he has achieved over an astounding 23 seasons in the league, setting standards for professionalism and longevity rarely seen in professional basketball.
Both players have not inquired with James about when he plans to retire, sources said, wanting to show respect for James’ process.
McMenamin reported.
Reaves, like LeBron, is set to become an unrestricted free agent, though based on his statements, he may well choose not to explore that option. Doncic, meanwhile, remains secure after signing a three-year contract with the Lakers, which gives him peace of mind as the franchise shapes its future, ideally with LeBron James still wearing purple and gold.
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