Lakers star LeBron James reveals No. 1 priority for possible Year 24 return

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recently offered insight into what would matter most if he decides to return for a 24th NBA season in 2026-27.

Speaking on the latest episode of Mind the Game alongside co-host Steve Nash, James emphasized that winning remains the driving force behind any potential continuation of his career.

“Winning is most important because you want to be excited about going to work everyday,” James said. “You want to be excited about, you know, like I said earlier, winning the day. And being around a group of guys that, you know, feel the same way and trying not to take steps backwards.”

James also discussed the importance of maintaining progress throughout the long NBA season and building toward postseason success.

“You know, understand a season is a long marathon and whatever the case may be,” James said. “But those building blocks throughout the course of the season is what matters to when you get to the sprint, which is now, you know, the postseason.”

The four-time NBA champion then made it clear he has no interest in spending the latter stages of his career involved in a rebuilding situation.

“So, yeah I’m not going anywhere it’s a start over at year 24 or things of that nature,” James said. “I’m done with that.”

LeBron James says if he comes back for year 24 winning is most important on what team he plays for:

“Because you want to be excited about going to work everyday. You want to be excited about, you know, like I said earlier, winning the day. And being around a group of guys that,… https://t.co/6TCnHX0otV pic.twitter.com/VkVDeKanUJ

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 21, 2026

LeBron James makes winning priority clear amid Year 24 speculation with Lakers

James recently completed his 23rd NBA season after the Lakers were eliminated in four games by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the Western Conference semifinals. Despite being 41 years old, he continued to perform at a high level while adjusting to a different role alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

During the regular season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 51.5 percent from the field across 60 games. In the postseason, he averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds across 10 playoff appearances.

Questions surrounding James’ future have intensified since the Lakers’ elimination, with speculation ranging from retirement to potential roster changes around him. However, his latest comments suggest that if he does return for Year 24, competing for championships will remain the priority.

The Lakers are expected to enter the offseason focused on maximizing their current championship window around James, Doncic and Reaves. James’ remarks further reinforce that any decision about his future will likely center on whether the organization can continue building a roster capable of legitimate postseason contention.

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