“I’d like LeBron to embrace the old guy part of it.” - Nick Wright pushes the bar on LeBron James’ longevity, reacts to the NBA legend’s bald picture
LeBron James' longevity has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now, given that he's showing no signs of slowing down. He recently posted a picture of himself, embracing a reality we've all known for a while now.
Nick Wright of "First Things First" claimed to have read between the lines as he commented on LeBron James' longevity.
"I think he posted the picture as a sign of things to come, but I think Lebron's gonna play considerably longer than the media seems to believe… I think he'll play probably five more years," Wright said.
LeBron James' desire to play with both his sons
Nick Wright's claim can be backed by James' recent claim, where he voiced his wish to play NBA basketball with Bronny and Bryce James. LeBron announced his plan to play with Bronny James a while ago. But when he featured alongside his sons on the latest Sports Illustrated cover titled "Chosen Sons," he did not write off the possibility of playing with Bryce too.
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The way James has maintained his body and continues to perform at a high level, retirement may not be on the horizon.
LeBron James unaffected by age
LeBron James was the fifth oldest player in the league last season, below Udonis Haslem, Joe Johnson, Andre Iguodala, and Carmelo Anthony. However, it did not show in his performance, as he averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists over 56 games. James even popped up in MVP discussions multiple times throughout the season.
Wright recollected a moment from James' recent title-winning season, encouraging LeBron James to embrace his age.
"Remember when he had the grey in his beard… I think he was trying to like, send a message like, 'I'm the oldest guy out here, and I'm still gonna bust your all your heads.'
"I'd like LeBron to embrace the old guy part of it." Wright added. "I think there's a psychological element to him leaning into that and still being one of the best, freakiest athletes out there."
LeBron James will enter his 20th season in the NBA with the 2022-23 campaign – playing with a re-vamped LA Lakers roster. It will be interesting to see how far he can take the franchise this time.