Just two years ago, LeBron James sat at a press conference with his shoulders eased. “Going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about,” he said after a saddening WCF at the hands of the Nuggets. Since then, his fortune with the Lakers hasn’t changed much. The same rivals kicked them out of the postseason, this time in the first round. But still, James is revitalized when it comes to the sport of basketball claiming he has “I do have a lot of the tank” at the Lakers media day. The charged excitement goes back to just a few months ago.

Following the playoffs, James didn’t have much time to rest and ponder. He suited up for Team USA, playing with eleven of basketball’s most renowned stars. For the first time, Curry, James, and Kevin Durant, three titans of the modern era suited up together. His longing wasn’t for winning in particular, but the Akron Hammer craved to play “meaningful” basketball, something he attained through the ‘Avengers’.

At media day, LeBron James didn’t hold back any words about the impact the group had. “That fire and desire was brought back to me. I was like, okay. That this is what it was all about”. He made calls to Stephen Curry in particular to take part in the competition. As it is well known, The Chef was the protagonist in two of the most important games for the star-powered unit.

Against Serbia in particular, the USA was forced on the brink of elimination. They trailed all the way going into the fourth quarter. The vintage trio though pulled off a miraculous fightback. Then came the Finals against the hosts. The entire crowd tried to derail Team USA, but Curry and the fleet stood composed, notching up another gold medal for the basketball powerhouses.

“Felt great to play meaningful basketball. Like, literally play for the highest level, you know. You know, we had, like, 2 game sevens back to back. 1 versus Serbia and then that last one versus France where it was like like, oh, s–t… That was that was good to relive that moment, you know, going against, those 2 great teams,” James professed at media day.

That dopamine rush has helped James have a refreshing outlook toward basketball.

LeBron James could use Olympic success to play for longer

There is still a belief that this could very well be the last time LeBron James appears in the NBA. In the realm of basketball, he has achieved everything there is. On top of that, he will inevitably have the chance to play with his son, Bronny, a dream he confessed to months ago. However, as per his contract, he would opt in for another season.

And judging by his enthusiasm, he seems to be loving basketball just as much as when he was 18 and a rookie. A lot of it has to do with the Paris success story. James didn’t just exist, but he was instrumental, claiming Olympic MVP honors. It included a historic triple-double in the intense clash against Serbia and some of his most exquisite work in the clutch.

“Maybe, I can still get it done. So that was pretty cool just from an individual standpoint to know that you could be out there with the best players in the world and still be able to have a big part” James claimed. 

Turning 40 in December, in terms of basketball aging, LeBron James is as young as ever. His explosion is still terrifying and with every year, his intellect keeps ballooning. Furthermore, he has constantly adapted to the game. His shooting in particular experienced a major uptick., converting 40% of his attempts last season. Additionally, with JJ Redick at the helm, the Lakers too are optimistic about the forthcoming campaign.

If not the focal point of the team, James through the Olympics saw a way to prolong his career as the fulcrum. He has always claimed he isn’t a “scorer”. In Paris, expertly weaving the offense ensured the star-studded team functions seamlessly. Redick has already claimed to passing the keys over the Anthony Davis. Through James as the decision-maker, he could unlock the most devious form of Davis.

Apart from that, the seasoned forward is wise enough to not over-exert himself. With age, he has learned how to choose his moments. The philosophy doesn’t wane his scoring and he can sustain himself for an entire season without much physical strain. Still, much of it hinges on the outcome of the coming season.

If the Lakers do see the light at the end of the tunnel, maybe, just maybe, James will take the journey along with them through whatever role Redick wants from him. He is capable of it, and his joy for the game has been reinstated through the Olympics and the prospect of sharing the floor with Bronny.