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Victor Petkov
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LeBron James denies retirement rumors ahead of his 23rd NBA season
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Lakers start eyes Championship with Doncic next year

LeBron James is preparing to embark on his 23rd NBA season — the first player in league history to reach that milestone — and the Los Angeles Lakers superstar says he remains as motivated as ever.

“I’m excited to play the game that I love for another season. I’m staying focused, and our main goal is to win a championship,” James told reporters ahead of the new campaign, his first full season alongside Luka Doncic.

Now entering his eighth year in Los Angeles, James has spent more time with the Lakers than with any other franchise. His career began with seven seasons in Cleveland, followed by four with the Miami Heat, another four with the Cavaliers, and then his move to Hollywood in 2018.

James will turn 41 in December, and while retirement looks ever closer on the horizon, he insists he feels young both physically and mentally.
“You feel the age you think you are,” he said. “How can I not feel young? I mean, my wife is beautiful. I look good. I look my age — she’s like the wine I drink. The older the wine I drink, the better it is. I feel great.”

Last season, the four-time champion averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game. He recently exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, after which he is scheduled to become a free agent in 2026.

The Lakers have reshaped their roster this offseason, adding DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, and remain open to further moves as they look to surround James, Doncic and Anthony Davis with the depth needed for another championship run.

James and the Lakers will open their season on October 22 against the Golden State Warriors.