“Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream. Continue on your focus. You’ve been here for us this whole time”
LeBron James has spoken about the importance of the support he receives from his family, as he prepares for a record-breaking NBA season.
LeBron James says the support of his family spurs him on to prolong his illustrious NBA career, as the four-time champion prepares for a historic 23rd season in North America’s elite men’s basketball league.
James, who is reportedly poised to take up his $52.6m player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for 2025-26, is next season set to become the first man to rack up 23 campaigns as an NBA player.
One of only six players ever to have featured in the league for more than 20 seasons, the 40-year-old is currently tied with Hall of Famer Vince Carter as the longest-serving NBA star in history.
Speaking to the news agency The Associated Press this week, James said his three children - sons Bronny and Bryce, and daughter Zhuri - have always encouraged him to keep on competing for as long as possible.
“When you have that type of support...”
“They’re like ‘Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream. Continue on your focus. You’ve been here for us this whole time,’” James revealed to AP. ”When you have that type of support… it makes it a lot easier.”
LeBron and 20-year-old Bronny became the NBA’s first father-son on-court duo last October, after the latter was drafted by the Lakers out of USC.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Bryce could also be an NBA player in the near future, having recently committed to the college-basketball team the Arizona Wildcats.
No “specific timetable” on NBA retirement
LeBron, who made his NBA debut back in 2003, told his interview with AP that he has no firm plans on when to walk away from playing: “At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That’s human nature.
“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.”
James suffered a knee injury in the Lakers’ final game in the 2025 playoffs - an April loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves that clinched a series defeat - but says he expects to be in excellent physical shape for the start of next season.
“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% as possible when training camp begins in late September,” the four-time NBA MVP said.
Lakers out to bounce back from early postseason elimination
The 2025-26 NBA season is due to begin on October 21, 2025. The league typically unveils the full regular-season schedule in August.
After exiting this year’s playoffs in the first round, the Lakers will continue their pursuit of a record-equalling 18th NBA championship, and their first since 2020. 2025-26 will be Los Angeles’ second season under head coach J.J. Redick, who led the team to a 50-32 regular-season record during his maiden year on the bench.
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