What’s going on, everyone? There’s been a lot of buzz lately about LeBron James and how much longer he plans to play. He’s made it clear that he doesn’t intend to stick around until the wheels fall off, but many speculate he might play at least another year. With his son Bryce expected to join the league soon, there’s hope that LeBron could even share the court with him. Regardless, we all know that LeBron’s career is approaching its final chapter—whether that’s in two years or five, the end is coming.

Realistically, I can’t see LeBron playing until he’s 45 or 46. At this rate, he could still be a top-10 player, which is remarkable for a 40-year-old. It’s conceivable that he could stretch his career to year 25, a feat that would be unprecedented. However, I don’t envision him being the kind of player who stays on the floor just for the sake of playing, like Michael Jordan did in Washington. If LeBron feels he can’t perform at a high level anymore, I doubt he’d continue just to play with his son.

What sets LeBron apart is his basketball IQ and evolving skill set. Even as he ages, he could transition into a role more like Magic Johnson, focusing on playmaking. His ability to score is still impressive—he’s consistently a walking 20 points per game. We’ve seen him have slow starts in games only to finish with impressive totals, showing that he still has what it takes to contribute significantly.

As he approaches the end of his career, LeBron remains fiercely competitive and focused on winning. The Lakers are active in trade talks, but nothing substantial has materialized yet. There’s a pressing question: should the Lakers feel extra pressure to make a deal to maximize LeBron’s remaining time in the league? He might not be the 27-year-old version of himself anymore, but he’s still arguably a top player, and he and Anthony Davis together could lead the team to championship contention if the right pieces are in place.

The coaching situation has improved with J.J. Redick at the helm, and he’s shown that he can adapt strategies mid-game. However, the onus is still on the players to execute. The Lakers have potential but need to ensure they have the right roster to compete. I believe they’re a playoff team and still capable of winning 52 games this season.

That said, there are still concerns. What happens when key players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood return? Their health and effectiveness are uncertain, and that could impact the team’s trajectory.