How many records does LeBron James want to break in the NBA?
The answer is unknown, because the Los Angeles Lakers striker clearly has no limits, and at the moment everything indicates that retirement is not on his mind.
As of today, “King” can choose to sign a two-year, $97.1 million contract with Yellow and Purple. What does this mean other than continuing to enjoy one of the biggest league figures and a basketball legend?
Now 37 years old, if James signs the extension, it means he will be on the field for three more seasons, playing until the age of 40. No other player in league history has done so. Closest in that area is Kevin Garnett, who retired when he sunk 39 laps.
On several occasions, James has said that one of his greatest desires is to play alongside his eldest son Bruni, well, with the extension (if it comes true), the ‘King’ will be active for the 2024-25 season, when Bruni is eligible to play in the NBA.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, neither father/son has played together in NBA history in the same season, let alone on the same team, so that would be another sign for the Akron, Ohio native.
In that sense, James and Bruni will join the only father/son duo in the history of American sports to achieve such a feat: Ken Grievey, Ken Griffey Jr. (MLB), Tim Raines, Tim Raines Jr (MLB) and Jordy Howe. And their children Mark. And Marty (NHL).
The idea doesn’t seem far fetched considering that, like a fine wine, LeBron has improved over the years, or at least kept its averages.
At 30.3 points per game last season, James scored the second-most points in a season in his entire career, behind only 2005-06 (31.4) and also became the oldest player to average 30 points in a season in NBA history.
Finally, if he plays in the next three seasons, James will be identical to Vince Carter, who played for 22 seasons in the NBA. LeBron now has 19 years into his long career, so he could retire with the same number 22 from “Vinsanity” or perhaps choose to play again and leave an almost unbeatable mark on his 23 years in the league, but only time will tell.
With data from ESPN Stata and info.