(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
After briefly flirting with the idea of retiring after getting swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, superstar forward LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has decided to return for a 21st season, with his sights set on winning a fifth ring and an 18th championship for the franchise.
Fortunately for James, the Lakers brass was highly motivated to keep this team’s roster intact while adding some key pieces to the championship puzzle this summer.
Rob Pelinka and company were able to do an incredible job constructing the roster, which will make it easier for James to get through an NBA season and be able to compete at a high level during the NBA playoffs.
With James still being able to play at a high level while set to turn 39 in December, the future Hall of Famer recently gave some insight on why he’s been able to stand the test of time in the NBA despite the rigors of an 82-game season, according to ESPN via Lakers Daily.
LeBron on being able to extend his prime for so long:
“It’s all about my health. And my mindset, if I’m able to keep my mind fresh. However your mind is, everything else falls into place. So, keeping my mind fresh, keeping it in tune, keeping it intact for the marathon will… pic.twitter.com/ijPeMU5tE8
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) October 16, 2023
The real question moving forward for James is whether he can stay healthy over the course of the regular season and healthy enough to produce once the postseason rolls around.
Even though James is known for his impressive longevity, injuries and availability have become a persistent problem for him ever since he got to Los Angeles.
During his stint with the Lakers thus far, James has played over 56 games in a season only once, and that was in the team’s championship year in 2019-20, when he played in 67 games.
Health will be what determines the Lakers’ fate during this upcoming season, as Anthony Davis has had the same problem since arriving in Los Angeles.
When these two superstars can stay healthy at the same time, they’re incredibly tough to stop, but whether they can do that this year remains to be seen.
The post LeBron James Gets Honest On His Longevity appeared first on The Cold Wire.