LeBron James said his primary focus is healing his sprained left knee before training camp begins in late September as he prepares for his 23rd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 40-year-old superstar suffered the ligament sprain in April during the Lakers’ playoff loss to Minnesota in Game 5 of the first round. James told The Associated Press the knee is feeling “good” but emphasized the importance of reaching full health.
James stressed that maintaining his physical condition remains crucial to performing at an elite level entering his fourth decade in the league.
“I have a lot of time to take care of my injury, my knee, the rest of my body and make sure I’m as close to 100 percent as possible when training camp begins in late September,” James told the AP.
James cited his family as a primary motivation for continuing his career beyond most players’ typical retirement age. He remains inspired by the opportunity to play alongside his son Bronny, who also joined the Lakers roster.
The four-time champion praised his wife Savannah and their three children for supporting his decision to continue playing. James noted they have never pressured him to retire despite his advanced age for an NBA player.
“They’re like, ‘Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream. Continue on your focus. You’ve been here for us this whole time,'” James said. “When you have that type of support … it makes it a lot easier.”
James holds a player option worth more than $56.2 million for next season but has not committed to a specific retirement timeline. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds last season while earning All-NBA honors.
Last offseason, James offered to take less money if the Lakers could secure commitments from specific free agents. No similar salary sacrifice is expected this offseason following the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic in a trade package for Anthony Davis ahead of the 2025 deadline.
The Lakers star acknowledged that retirement thoughts naturally occur at this stage of his career but said he has not established a definitive end date. James called the possibility of playing with his younger son Bryce, who becomes draft eligible in 2026, “insane” but not impossible.