Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said Monday that staying injury-free will be his priority as he prepares for his 20th NBA season, in which he could break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. .
Source: AFP
The 37-year-old heads into the upcoming campaign determined to lead the Lakers back to the playoffs after a dismal 2021-22 season in which the franchise’s hopes were dashed by a combination of injuries and poor form.
LeBron, who played just 56 games last season, told reporters that his goal will be to stay in shape this season.
“Just being available, that’s the most important thing,” LeBron said. “Obviously some injuries you can’t control, that’s my way of thinking. For me, as one of the team leaders, availability is the most important thing in this league: being available on the pitch.”
LeBron moved into second place in the NBA regular season points standings in March, passing Karl Malone during a game against the Washington Wizards.
Now the basketball star enters the 2022-2023 season 1,325 points behind the all-time regular-season points leader, Abdul-Jabbar, which means if he maintains his scoring-per-game average, the record should fall this season.
– It is not an obsession –
LeBron made it clear, however, that he is not obsessed with beating the record of Abdul-Jabbar, a Lakers legend.
“The only time I’ve thought about it (on the record) is when someone has posted something on my social media and I’ve been looking and I see it,” LeBron added at the Los Angeles Lakers media day.
“And every time I’m a little bit in awe, like ‘Wow.’ I never played my career thinking about records, just making sure I was in the best possible shape to start the season and be available. But sitting here knowing I’m about to break the most coveted record in the NBA is humbling for me and it’s great.”
LeBron added that “I’m not going to put too much pressure on (the record) throughout the season. But it’s a historic moment when I get there, and as long as my family and friends are there to see it, that’s the most important thing.”
Meanwhile, LeBron spoke warmly about new Lakers coach Darvin Ham, the former Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach who replaced the fired Frank Vogel last June.
LeBron, who signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers last month, added that he remains firmly committed to the franchise he joined in 2018.
“I came here because I believed in the franchise and I’m still here. It’s literally that simple,” LeBron said. “I am committed to the franchise… I hope to start tomorrow.”
