The NBA season is just around the corner, and on Monday, teams across the league held their annual media day — a gathering where players come together for the first time to preview the upcoming season.
For 40-year-old LeBron James, this is far from new. In fact, it marks his 23rd media day. When he steps on the court on Oct. 21 for opening night against the Golden State Warriors, James will become the longest-tenured player in NBA history, surpassing Vince Carter.
The main question surrounding James’ career at this stage is when he will retire, despite continuing to play at an elite level each season.
It was one of the first questions asked when he approached the microphone on Monday. While he didn’t provide a definitive timeline, he did reveal the driving force behind his decision to return for another season with the Lakers: Luka Doncic, who the team acquired at the trade deadline last season in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history.
“Full season with Luka [Doncic],” James said when asked the reason for him to keep playing in Year 23.
More NBA: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Teases Major Playoff Format Change
More NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo Appears to Put Bucks Owner on Blast Over False Claim
The Lakers saw success with James and Luka Doncic on the floor together, but they didn’t have much time to develop chemistry. They reached the NBA playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This offseason, however, Doncic has prioritized getting in peak shape. He appeared on the cover of Men’s Health and currently looks to be in the best condition of his young career.
While Doncic was a key factor in James’ decision to return, James also emphasized his continued love for the game.
“The love of the game is still high. The love of the process is even higher,” he said while acknowledging that the end is approaching, adding, “I don’t have many days like this left.”
Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, shooting 51.0% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc.
He turns 41 in December and will enter his second season playing alongside his son, Bronny, whom the Lakers drafted in 2024 with the No. 55 pick in the second round following his freshman season at USC.