LeBron James Vows to Play All 82 Games This Season, Barring Injury

LeBron James made a bold statement following the Los Angeles Lakers‘ comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday, October 25. Despite the Lakers trailing by as many as 22 points, they managed to secure a 123-116 win. James, who turned in a performance of 21 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, expressed his intention to play in all 82 games of the season, provided he remains injury-free.

James, who is approaching his 40th birthday in December, continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and performance. In the recent game, he played 35 minutes, shooting 7/13 from the field and 2/5 from the three-point range. This commitment to playing every game is significant, especially given the common practice of “load management” in the NBA to prevent injuries.

The Lakers, now 2-0 in the new season, are set to host the Sacramento Kings next before embarking on a road trip. James’s determination to play all games underscores his competitive spirit and dedication to his team’s success. This stance is particularly noteworthy as it contrasts with the trend of many top players opting for selective rest to manage their workload.

In addition to his on-court performance, James has also been in the news for his support of his son, Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Bronny is expected to split his time between the main Lakers roster and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, a decision that has been endorsed by LeBron James himself.