LeBron James has been an unstoppable force of nature in the NBA for over twenty years. He will be 39 next December but has shown no sign of performing average or below average. The all-time leading scorer is still among the best players in the league. However, recently, he lost his place among the top ten players in the league. But that does not mean the King is ready to hang his boots. In the offseason, he had been training with the young Laker Rui Hachimura, giving him valuable game inputs.
King James called Hachimura his “Understudy.” Later, Hachimura mentioned that he was grateful to LeBron James for letting him train with him. This way, King James is proving that he still has a big impact on his teammates. Despite LBJ saying Anthony Davis is the face of the Lakers organization, the 19-time All-Star is still the most valuable player in the league. After all, the fans call LeBron James the face of the NBA. The King is training hard and motivating his teammates before his 21st season begins.
Why LeBron James Is Engaging Extra In The Training Camp?
As per reports of Dan Woike writing for The Los Angeles Times suggest that LBJ looks extra engaged in the training camp. Especially LeBron James is taking part in discussions from the leadership’s perspective. What’s the reason for this extra engagement? It will draw attention from every opponent, player, and organization. Anyway, the King still believes he’s still better than 90% or even 95% of the players currently playing in the league. Hence, there is no lack of confidence, and why would there be any?
Even in the conference finals last season against the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists and played 35.5 minutes almost every game. That’s why when the King engages more than expected and shows complete confidence in his abilities, he scares the rest of the league because that’s a dangerous combination. Moreover, even at 38, he begins his training even before the sun comes up. That’s the motivation and dedication of a great player, which is very hard to replicate.
The King Might Not Be 100% Healthy
LeBron James might not be completely healthy since he sustained a tendon injury on his right foot last February. He needed to undergo surgery. But here he is, engaging himself in the training camp with more than 100% motivation. The other Lakers players should feel LBJ’s passion and try to give the best for the team if they have to win the title this season. LeBron James may not give his teammates another chance to play alongside him in the NBA.
He was too close to announcing his retirement at the end of the last season. However, he will fight at least one more time to win his 5th championship ring. Who knows if he can also be a contender for his 5th MVP in the 2023-24 season? But there is no doubt about LeBron James giving his 100% to the Los Angeles Lakers to help the franchise win its 18th title.