James stated earlier that he aspires to ultimately play alongside his 19-year-old son. According to rumors, the Los Angeles Lakers are open to picking LeBron James’ adolescent son, Bronny, in June’s NBA Draft if it helps keep his father in purple and gold next season.
James, who will be 40 in December, had stated that he planned to complete his career playing alongside his 19-year-old son, but has now shifted his focus. ‘I haven’t given it much consideration lately,’ the veteran forward said when asked about the prospect following the No. 7 Lakers’ playoff elimination loss to the West’s No. 1 seed Denver Nuggets on Monday night.
‘Obviously, I’ve considered it in the past, but at the end of the day, the child has to do what he wants. I don’t want to say “kid” anymore. ‘The young guy will pick what he wants to accomplish and how he wants his career to progress,’ he added. ‘I simply think it’s wonderful that we’re having this discourse.’
According to rumors, LeBron James is not rushing to make a decision on his future before the NBA draft in June. The Lakers are apparently interested in picking Bronny as long as it keeps his father pleased.
LeBron James is not in a hurry to decide his NBA future following the Lakers’ loss.
James, who recently completed his 21st season in the NBA, has until June 29 to decide whether to opt into the last year of his deal with the Lakers for $51.4 million, become an unrestricted free agency or retire.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Tuesday that James plans to become a free agent for the first time since 2018 this summer. Six years ago, the four-time All-Star departed his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agency. ‘I believe that will put a little bit of pressure on the Lakers,’ Windhorst added, implying that James may just wait to see who the organization will choose in less than two months.
According to insiders, the Lakers are eager to re-sign the NBA’s all-time top scorer and are willing to negotiate the maximum three-year, $164 million agreement they can give. James would be 42 by the end of the contract. James, the NBA’s all-time greatest scorer, is aiming for Olympic gold this summer with Team USA.
James intends to spend time with his family and heal his body before focusing on Team USA in the Paris Olympics, which will be held from July 26 to August 11. “It’s about family right now,” James said after scoring 30 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds in the Lakers’ 108-106 Game 5 defeat to the defending champion Nuggets. ‘And then in a few months, I have to head to Vegas for training camp. So I need to relax my body for USA (basketball).
The four-time NBA Finals MVP admitted that playing in the league for as long as he has has taken its toll, but it was worth it. ‘It’s quite demanding,’ James stated.
‘Mentally, physically, spiritually, everything… but it’s really gratifying because if you enjoy the game, the process, and being great, you don’t mind putting a strain on your body, mind, and soul.
