“At this point of my career, you think about when the end is,” the Los Angeles Lakers star said

From Left: Bronny and LeBron James playing for the Lakers on Oct. 6, 2024.
Credit : Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty

LeBron James is on the eve of what would be an NBA-record 23rd season
The Los Angeles Lakers star said that he is rehabbing a knee sprain, which he suffered during the playoffs in April
James and his son, Bronny, played alongside one another last season, becoming the first father-son duo to do so in NBA history

LeBron James is gearing up — and resting up — for his 23rd season in the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers star is looking to set the league record for most seasons played, but first, he’s being mindful of his 40-year-old body, which includes rehabbing a knee sprain he sustained during the playoffs in April.

“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% as possible when training camp begins in late September,” James told the The Associated Press, adding that he is feeling “good.”

During his eventful 22nd season, the basketball icon became the first to play with his son on the same team, when Bronny James was signed by the Lakers last summer. Then, a blockbuster trade in February dealt superstar Luka Dončić to the team, and saw the departure of James’ teammate and friend, Anthony Davis.

And while the Lakers bowed out in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves, James told the AP that the decision to return for another season was made “easier” thanks to the support of his family — especially Bronny, 20, Bryce, 18, and daughter Zhuri, 10.

Bronny and LeBron James.
Katelyn Mulcahy/GeGetty

“They’re like ‘Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream,’ ” James told the AP. “‘Continue on your focus. You’ve been here for us this whole time.’ ” He added, “When you have that type of support… it makes it a lot easier.”

With Bryce about to start his college career at Arizona, there has been speculation that the future Hall of Famer might want to wait to retire until he can also play with his younger son — which would be “insane,” James said.

“At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That’s human nature,” he explained. “You think: Is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey. But I have not given it a specific timetable, date. I’m seeing how my body and family reacts, too.”