LeBron James Puts Family First With Lakers Future Hanging in Balance

LeBron James spoke about his legacy in his post-match interview.

LeBron James Puts Family First With Lakers Future Hanging in Balance

NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

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Rumors surrounding LeBron James‘ future never seem to end. With every passing season, reports of his retirement or trade begin circulating across the NBA world. James is coming off an impressive win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. The Los Angeles Lakers had a convincing 125-109 victory over the Nets at the Barclays Center.

The Lakers ended their long eight-game road trip with a win and went 5-3 during the period. The win improved the Lakers’ record to 30-19 as they sit at fifth place in the highly competitive Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Nets stayed at 13th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 13-36 record.

It has been over a month since LeBron James turned 41. The 2025-26 campaign represents James’ 23rd season in the NBA. A number no player has achieved in league history. Since turning 41, James has shown no signs of slowing down. After a slow start to the season, James seems to have found his top condition and is currently averaging 22 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.6 assists.

After acquiring Luka Doncic at the trade deadline last season, James has been vocal about the Slovenian guard being the focal point of the team. The Lakers front office is building its roster around Doncic as they prepare for life in the post-James era. However, despite their impressive record and Doncic playing at an MVP level, the Lakers are still not viewed as championship contenders this season.

Currently in his 23rd season in the NBA, James was asked about his legacy in his post-match locker-room interview.

My legacy is my kids. My kids, my community, my family. That’s all that matters to me. The basketball has given me an unbelievable platform to be able to do the things I love to do and aspire the youth. But end of the day, my legacy is passed through my kids and community. It will be talked through other folks, hopefully in a good way.

James’ legacy is unparalleled. Arguably the greatest player to ever play the game, James has won several accolades and broken numerous records during his illustrious career. He has won four NBA Championships, four Finals MVPs, four regular-season MVPs, and is the NBA All-Time leading scorer, just to name a few.

Cleveland Cavaliers would be open to LeBron James reunion

In the 2003 NBA draft, James was drafted as the number one pick, and the rest is history. James spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers over two stints. During his time with the Cavs, he brought relevancy to the franchise. He took them to five NBA Finals, helped them win their lone NBA Championship in 2016, and achieved numerous accolades.

With James having confirmed he will be ending the current season with the Lakers, his contract is coming to an end. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin spoke to SportsCenter about James’ return to Cleveland.

I was told by some league sources and some Cavs team sources that if LeBron chooses to extend his career this summer, the Cavs would welcome him back with open arms for a third stint in Cleveland. So that’s certainly one thing to look at.

It remains to be seen what the Lakers and James decide to do in the offseason. But Cavs fans will be hoping to see their greatest player back for the final time before hanging up his boots.

LeBron James’ All-Star streak continues

When the All-Star starters were announced last week, one name was omitted that caught everyone’s eye. After 21 straight years of being named as a starter, James missed the cut this time. His teammates Doncic, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama were chosen as starters from the Western Conference.

The fan vote accounted for 50% of the selection process, along with a survey of NBA players and a media panel, and to no surprise, Doncic took center stage, winning the fan poll by almost 200,000 votes. But James’ popularity is second to none.

LeBron James dunking against the Bulls
LeBron James (Image via LeBron Wire/X)

In the end, James was selected as an All-Star on Monday night for the 22nd straight season, extending his remarkable streak. James will be joining Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and others as teammates as part of a new format for the NBA All-Star Game.

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