NBA: 4 Most intriguing storylines that will shape 2023-24 season

Year 21 for LeBron James

After a summer full of questions regarding his future in the league, largely fuelled by his own musings, LeBron has since confirmed that he will be playing in the upcoming season. Whether you believe he was genuinely considering retirement or that this was all for show, the fact remains that every year since LeBron entered the league has been noteworthy in one way or another.

It almost doesn’t sound real that an athlete has been in the league for over two decades and is still performing at a level where no “top players in the league” conversation can be had without including the King’s name. Because of this, the Los Angeles Lakers will continue to hold aspirations of championship glory, as well as hold the attention of the NBA world, much to the chagrin of some. That being said, last year’s playoffs did provide supporters of the purple and gold some legitimate reasons for optimism.

The Los Angeles Lakers were only a few wins removed from a place in the NBA Finals last season, and potentially another title. That was in of itself a monumental feat given the state of the team earlier in the season. But for players like LeBron, “getting close” means about as much as not making the playoffs at all.

Despite his continued excellence, the fact remains the same: LeBron’s career is coming to an end. And in the King’s twilight years, every season has to feel like a championship or bust. Both for him and the organization he plays for. While it can be argued that the miracle run of these past playoffs was nothing but an anomaly, it will still be interesting to see where LeBron leads the Lakers. And then there’s the question of whether LeBron will remain in the city of angels for much longer.

Under his current contract, LeBron will be with the Lakers until 2025. With his son Bronny James getting closer to being an NBA draft pick, LeBron has openly stated for some time now that he is willing to go wherever he needs to be in order to play alongside his son. Combine both of these two facts in mind and it does feel like LeBron might be gearing up to leave the Lakers, which could leave them in a similar position to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat when James left.

You could argue that if Anthony Davis remains after the King’s departure, he could still lead the team to being respectable. That being said, no matter how good Davis is, losing a co-star like LeBron will surely be felt by the team. Which is why this next season is so vital. Another title could incentivize LeBron into staying on the Lakers for longer, whereas another disappointing elimination could speed up the sinking of the ship.

Will the King add another jewel to his crown while adorned in purple and gold? And for how much longer will his name be sung throughout the NBA world? Time will only tell.

As we wait to see the continuation of the King’s Saga, the league is also looking forward to the opening chapter of another player’s story…