As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the 2024 NBA season, one of the key talking points from media day was LeBron James’ reflection on his summer with Team USA and what he discovered about his future in basketball. At 39, James is entering his 22nd NBA season, and while some may question how much longer he can play at an elite level, his recent Olympic performance gave him a renewed sense of confidence.

A Triumphant Olympic Run

LeBron, playing in his fourth Olympic Games, helped lead Team USA to a gold medal, his third overall. On the road to victory, James put up impressive numbers, averaging 14.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and setting a Team USA record with 10.2 assists per game. His performance silenced any doubts about his ability to contribute at the highest levels of competition.

Reflecting on his time with Team USA, James said, “At my age, the miles that I have, and to be able to play at the level I played at… It gave me even more like a sense of I do have a lot in the tank. A LOT. And I can help a big part of the team win… I can still get it done.”

Confidence Renewed for NBA Season

LeBron’s Olympic experience seems to have reinvigorated him as he heads into the new NBA season. “I do have a lot left in the tank, A LOT,” James emphasized, referencing his dominant performance on the global stage. This newfound confidence comes at a critical time for the Lakers, who struggled in the 2023-24 season.

Last year, despite LeBron and Anthony Davis averaging 27.8 points per game each and shooting over 56%, the Lakers were eliminated early in the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. That early exit led to significant changes within the organization, most notably the firing of head coach Darvin Ham.

New Leadership with J.J. Redick

In a move that surprised many, the Lakers replaced Ham with former NBA player-turned-analyst J.J. Redick. While Redick brings a fresh perspective, his lack of coaching experience raises questions about his ability to lead the team to success. The Lakers’ roster remains mostly unchanged from the previous season, which means that much of their success will depend on a confident and driven LeBron James.

Eye on the Future

With LeBron’s Olympic performance serving as a reminder of his enduring talent, the Lakers will be looking to capitalize on that momentum as they aim for a deeper playoff run. For James, the summer showed that he can still be a game-changer, both for his country and his team. As he steps into the new season, one thing is clear: LeBron believes he’s far from done. “I can still get it done,” James said, and the Lakers will be counting on that to be true.