LeBron James shuns narrative on accomplishing more as a basketball player - "Everything else is extra credit"

The opening day of LeBron James’ 22nd season in the NBA began on Tuesday at the LA Lakers’ media day. “King James” met with reporters as his team opened training camp in downtown Los Angeles. James and Co. are hoping to have a better run this season after getting a gentleman’s sweep against the Denver Nuggets in the 2024 playoffs.

James begins another historic campaign, one that will include playing on the same team as his eldest son, Bronny James. The duo will become the first father-son tandem to play in the same season, let alone as teammates.

When asked if there is more he wants to accomplish in basketball, LeBron James responded:

“Is there anything else left for me to do as a basketball player? No, no. Everything else is extra credit, [but] I’ll take it. I’ll take it, though. I love it. I love what I do.”

For years, the four-time MVP has been saying that playing alongside James Jr. was the biggest goal he has yet to accomplish. After the LA Lakers took the former USC guard No. 55 in this year’s draft, the elder James can check that goal off his list. The younger James is expected to spend more time in the G League, but he will make an historic appearance with his father at some point.

James has often insisted that he plays with the ultimate goal of winning a championship. He hasn’t won one since 2020, and his Lakers have had trouble getting past the Denver Nuggets. Next season, the OKC Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves might be bigger roadblocks than Nikola Jokic’s team.

A re-tooled roster and a new coach have given the Lakers hope that they could bounce back this season. If LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay healthy, the team might make some noise in the playoffs.

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LeBron James is excited for the “first day of school”

LeBron James is the oldest and most tenured player in the NBA next season. Despite all his years in the league, he oozed with excitement in the LA Lakers’ first meeting with the media on Tuesday.

James had this to say when asked about what another new season meant for him:

“It’s the first day of school. Lay your tools out at night day before. You get your fresh kicks. Everybody got their fresh kicks the day before the first day of school. That’s always exciting. Everybody’s excited about the first day of school.”

Having the chance to play with Bronny James might have given James a pep in his step. He has a chance to add more legacy; this time, with his eldest son as one of his teammates.