Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has accepted his player option yet, but it certainly sounds like he’s going to play in the NBA next season. James gave an update on his knee injury Tuesday, saying he’s feeling “good” and is focused on making sure his knee is right in time for training camp, per the Associated Press.
James, 40, is recovering after sustaining an MCL injury during the team’s elimination game vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. He appeared to injure his left knee after running into Timberwolves guard Dante DiVincenzo. James initially left the contest, but was able to return and play down the stretch.
The Lakers lost the game 103-96 and were eliminated from the playoffs. After the loss, James said he wasn’t ready to make any decisions about his future.
While James hasn’t commented on his plans since then, many expect him to opt into his $52.2 million player option and return to the Lakers. James didn’t comment on his contract situation, but did make it clear he’s hoping to be 100 percent healthy by training camp, per the Associated Press.
“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.
That does seem to confirm James will return for his 23rd NBA season. Most expected that would be the case, but the injury — combined with James’ age — added some murkiness to the situation.
James admitted he knows the end of his career is coming soon, saying he’s going to wait and see how his body bounces back and how his family feels before determining how long he wants to keep playing.
“At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That’s human nature,” he said. “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.”
Despite his age, James didn’t show any signs of decline last season. He averaged 24.4 points and 8.2 assists in 70 games. That performance earned James his 21st selection to the NBA All-Star Game.
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