It has been previously mentioned as a possibility that LeBron James would consider leaving the Lakers in order to play with his eldest son Bronny and it now appears that is more so LeBron’s plan, rather than just a possibility.
LeBron revealed in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he has his sites set on playing with his children, even if it is something he doesn’t often talk to them about.
‘I’d definitely be looking at who got first-round picks in 2024, 2025, things of that nature; 2026, ’27. I pay attention to that type of stuff,’ he said.
Lebron, Bryce, and Bronny James pose on bleachers during Sports Illustrated photo shoot
Lebron, Bryce, and Bronny take picture with LeBron’s trainer Mike Mancias after a workout
‘I feel like I could play for quite a while.
‘So it’s all up to my body, but more importantly, my mind. If my mind can stay sharp and fresh and motivated, then the sky’s not even a limit for me. I can go beyond that. But we shall see.’
Both of LeBron’s sons Bronny and Bryce James are currently rising stars in the world of high school basketball, with Bronny going through the early stages of the college recruiting process at the moment.
Given that Bronny can leave for the NBA draft in 2024, after only one season in college, and LeBron’s recent contract extension includes an opt-out clause for the same year this would be the earliest the two-thirds of the James gang can feature on the same team.
We don’t even really talk about the future too much,’ LeBron added.
‘I put it in the air because I like to talk to the basketball gods out there and see if things can come to fruition. I’ve always set out goals in my career, talked to the basketball gods, and they’ve listened to all of them. Hopefully they can listen to this last one, too.’
Bronny and Bryce play game for California Basketball Club during the AXE Euro Tour in France
LeBron’s stats still show that even at his advanced age he can still be one of the most productive players in the league when healthy.
Last season while trying to single handedly will a poorly-constructed Lakers team to the playoffs he averaged 30.3 points, 6.2 assist, and 8.2 rebounds per game.
He also played an average of 37.2 minutes, which was his highest total since the 2016 season when he was still in Cleveland.
While it stands likely LeBron will once again have to play a large number of minutes this year if the Lakers are to have any hopes at making the playoffs, let alone chasing a title it seems likely that Lebron’s minutes will decrease in the next few years.
A steady decrease in minutes would certainly help preserve LeBron’s body in order to help him reach the goal of playing together with both of his sons.
