The new season is fast approaching and the Los Angeles Lakers will want to avoid playing catch up like they did most of last season and central to that effort is four-time NBA champion, LeBron James. He has a great supporting cast for the mission and that includes last season’s surprise package, Austin Reaves.
During a recent appearance with BustaJack Golf, when asked if he had ever beaten James in a 1v1 game, Austin Reaves shockingly revealed that LeBron James doesn’t play 1v1, as he doesn’t consider real basketball. It came as a shock because it’s assumed he would be willing to test himself against some of the league’s best
Nah, he (LeBron James) don’t play 1v1. He said 1v1 is not real basketball... which I kind of agree with.Austin Reaves to BustaJack Golf
“Have you played [LeBron James] 1v1?”
Austin Reaves: “Nah, he don’t play 1v1. He said 1v1 is not real basketball.”
(via @BustaJackGolf)pic.twitter.com/TAfsXssOKV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 20, 2024
However, he does play it with his sons, to the point that his youngest son can boldly claim he would beat him. The last time they had a challenge, it ended up with the future Hall of Famer calling himself the GOAT when he came out on top.
Looking ahead, King James has been able to cheat Father Time by ensuring he conserves his energy and avoids activities that could take a toll on him. This new season will be a historic season for many reasons for LeBron James and his family.
LeBron James is not rated to win another NBA championship
Last season saw the Los Angeles Lakers suffer defeat in the first-round playoff at the hands of the team that denied them their ticket to the NBA Finals the previous season. As such, this season fans would be expecting the Lakers to make one final push especially with a motivated LeBron James leading the charge.
However, not everyone is convinced about that. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps is skeptical of the Lakers’ chances to win another championship, particularly with King James nearing the end of his career. Interestingly, James had signed a two-year, $101.4 million contract extension to stay in L.A. through 2025-26. Moreover, he will turn 41 by the end of that deal.
It's definitely more realistic that LeBron James becomes a team owner than wins another championship. Bronny James is now playing with him in L.A., and it's clear he's committed to staying with the Lakers. It's hard to see a scenario where they become strong enough to win another title.ESPN’s Tim Bontemps on NBA Today
As a man with great foresight, he had also expressed interest in team ownership, particularly as the NBA considers expansion into markets like Seattle and Las Vegas. However, for now, LBJ and the Lakers will see how they can get the better of stiff competitors in the West from teams like the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder, which by default makes another championship run an uphill battle.