LeBron James attended his 23rd training camp on Monday without revealing if it could be his last year. After a summer where he focused on improving both his basketball and golf skills, James is eager to play alongside Luka Dončić and aim for another championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, who have made significant changes to their team.

“I’m excited about today,” James commented during the Lakers’ media day. “I’m thrilled for the chance to play the game I love once more. Regardless of how things unfold this year, I’m fully committed, as I realize the end is approaching faster than expected.”

James also expressed appreciation for another opportunity to play with his eldest son, Bronny, who is the backup point guard for the Lakers. However, he does not dwell on the idea of playing alongside both his sons in the NBA simultaneously.

His second son, Bryce, is starting as a freshman with the University of Arizona’s basketball team this autumn, and James acknowledges that both of his sons could be on NBA teams as early as next year.

“I’m not waiting on Bryce,” he said with a smile. “His timeline is his own, and he’s now an independent young man down in Tucson. We’ll see how things develop this year and next year. Each of us has our timeline, and I can’t guarantee they align.”

As he approaches 41 in December, retirement feels distant when compared to his immediate goal of enhancing the Lakers into a championship contender. He is acutely aware of the historic nature of this season, as he gears up to become the first player to participate in 23 NBA seasons when he takes the court on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors.

“It’s truly remarkable to consider how much I’ve endured and still maintain a high performance level,” James reflected. “For me, age is simply a number, but it is also my reality. Few players reach my age, especially heading into such an extensive career span, while still performing at a high level. I try not to overlook this opportunity and aim to give back to the game as much as possible, inspiring others along the way.”

James, a four-time NBA champion and holder of countless personal achievements, believes he still has more to prove as he approaches his final playing years, even if it is just for himself. He remains focused on enjoying every day, whether it’s through refining his golfing skills or cherishing moments with his family.

“I believe you feel as young as you tell your mind,” he mentioned. “How could I not feel youthful? I look great; my wife is stunning. Seeing my age is like savoring the finest wine—the older it gets, the better it is. I feel fantastic.”

This current campaign marks his eighth with the Lakers, prolonging his longest continuous stint with a team. He previously dedicated his first seven seasons to the Cleveland Cavaliers, followed by four with the Miami Heat, and another four returning to the Cavaliers before landing in Los Angeles in 2018.

Despite being deeply entrenched in his third decade with the NBA, James shows no signs of slowing down, having made a notable impact last season by being selected for the All-NBA second team for the 21st consecutive season. He achieved an average of 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds while maintaining good health.

Following the midseason trade that moved Anthony Davis for Dončić, the Lakers secured 50 wins and the Pacific Division title but were taken out easily by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.

By exercising his $52.6 million player option for this season, James, through his long-time agent Rich Paul, has made it known that he wishes to remain with a championship contender and will keep a close eye on the Lakers’ offseason adaptations.

The Lakers have brought in new talent, including Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia.

“I’m looking forward to getting started,” James stated, “and I’m eager to see what we can accomplish together.”