LeBron James, now in his 22nd NBA season, remains on a mission to achieve one last triumph with the Los Angeles Lakers. As he approaches his 40th birthday on December 30th, James shows no signs of slowing down. His consistent performance continues to drive the Lakers toward their goals. However, fans are beginning to wonder: “Is LeBron James in the final stage of his NBA career?”

LeBron’s recent performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics silenced many critics. Despite his age, James led Team USA to a gold medal, earning the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. His statistics in the 2024 Olympics were nothing short of impressive:

Games Played: 5
Minutes Per Game: 22.8
Points Per Game: 14.2
Rebounds Per Game: 7.0
Assists Per Game: 8.6

His performance at the Olympics demonstrated that he still possesses the skills and leadership necessary to guide the Lakers deep into the playoffs.

During the 2023-2024 NBA season, LeBron played in 71 games and reached a historic milestone—surpassing 40,000 career points. His current total stands at 40,474 points. Despite his age, James maintained impressive shooting efficiency with a field goal percentage of 54%, 41% from beyond the arc, and 75% from the free-throw line. He also ranks fourth in all-time assists with 11,009 dimes.

Over his illustrious career, LeBron has played in 1,492 games, accumulating 2,410 three-pointers (eighth in the league) and 2,275 steals (also eighth). He has been selected to the All-Star team 20 times, holding the distinction of being both the youngest and oldest player ever to make an All-NBA team. Currently the oldest active player in the league, LeBron averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game last season.

As the leader of the Lakers, LeBron must navigate the challenges that come with being the face of a team. The Lakers’ success largely depends on the health and performance of their roster. If key players remain in peak condition, the Lakers are poised for a strong season. However, any setbacks could jeopardize their championship aspirations.

One potential adjustment for the Lakers could be the addition of free agent Cedi Osman. Analysts believe Osman could provide valuable depth as a low-risk, high-reward wingman. Having played alongside LeBron during his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017-2018, Osman brings familiarity and experience to the table.

Osman’s career averages of 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 three-pointers per game—equating to 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers per 36 minutes—make him a valuable asset. Last season, he shot 38.9% from beyond the arc and holds a career average of 35.7% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and provide consistent shooting could be a crucial addition to the Lakers’ roster, especially as a backup for Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell.

As LeBron enters the twilight of his career, it’s clear that he still has plenty to offer. However, the Lakers will need all the help they can get to support their aging superstar. The addition of Osman, or another capable wingman, could be the key to one last championship run. Whether or not this season marks the end of LeBron’s career, his impact on the game remains undeniable.