There comes a point in everyone’s career when we think, “You know what, maybe this is it. It’s time to move on.” Lakers star and legend, LeBron James seems to have had a similar thought. Nicknamed “King James”, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. With a career spanning over twenty years, James has won four NBA championships. He is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. 

At the press conference after the Lakers’ 113-111 Game 4 loss to the Denver Nuggets last season, the veteran was quoted saying, “Going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about”. This statement left many in shock, wondering if he really was going to hang up his sneakers. But, with the new season coming in, we finally have a better understanding of his words. 

“He was just physically and emotionally exhausted”

As per reports, it seems like James made the statement because he was just exhausted at everything. “But a few people close to James told The Times that night that they thought he was just physically and emotionally exhausted.They predicted any retirement thoughts would soon pass.”  

The 2022-23 regular season saw LeBron averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. He shot 50.0 percent from the field across 55 appearances. However, his woes were with shooting from the 3-point arc. He converted 32.1 percent of his 3-point attempts and failed to rectify this in any of Los Angeles’ three playoff series. Despite giving his best at the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers were unsuccessful in qualifying for the Finals. The Nuggets eventually took the title after beating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. 

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James is back with a bang 

It seems like the Akron native is back, with fresh energy to tackle this season. “Now he’s back with the Lakers, with insiders telling The Times that James has been extra engaged in camp, particularly from a leadership perspective.” 

He has quashed all signs of retirement, as he was seen actively engaging in the training camp. “He’s been like a Mountain Dew-fueled teenager at times, restlessly bouncing around the court. During a timeout Saturday in the preseason opener in San Francisco, James jogged onto the court and jumped up to grab the rim — despite being in street clothes for the night.”

Maybe this will be James’ chance at redemption from that western conference finals mishap. The Lakers are set to begin the 2023-24 season facing off with the Denver Nuggets on October 24th. Will we see the Akron Hammer work his magic again? Watch this space for more updates! 

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