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NBA
Gary Payton on LeBron James: 'I think he's going to do one more year'
TL;DR
Gary Payton predicts LeBron James will play at least one more year, citing his strong work ethic and desire to remain competitive. Payton believes LeBron's family comfort in Los Angeles will influence his decision to stay with the Lakers.
Key points
- Gary Payton predicts LeBron James will play one more year
- LeBron's work ethic and body care are crucial to his performance
- Family comfort in Los Angeles influences LeBron's decision
- Payton believes LeBron still feels he can dominate
Mentioned in this story
Gary PaytonLeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers
âI think heâs going to do one more year,â said Payton in a one-on-one interview with R.org. âI think LeBron â because I know about his ego â he has to really feel that he canât play in this league anymore. I donât think he feels that way. I think he feels he can still dominate. But what the things that he does with his body is a lot different because what he does with his body is he takes care of it. Once he starts feeling it, I donât think heâs going to let himself go down. I donât think heâll let himself be looking like a fool or anything.â
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âI think heâs going to do one more year,â said Payton in a one-on-one interview with R.org. âI think LeBron â because I know about his ego â he has to really feel that he canât play in this league anymore. I donât think he feels that way. I think he feels he can still dominate. But what the things that he does with his body is a lot different because what he does with his body is he takes care of it. Once he starts feeling it, I donât think heâs going to let himself go down. I donât think heâll let himself be looking like a fool or anything.â â 4/22/2026 R.Org Sports
âI think heâs got about one or two more years left in his body,â said Payton of James. âI donât think he wants to move anywhere. People talking about where heâs going to end up. Thatâs not what LeBron is about right now. I think itâs about comfortability, about how his daughter â which is the only one still left in the house â and how his wife wants to be. I donât think they want to be in the cold. I think they think theyâre very comfortable in and thatâs where theyâre going to be. â 4/22/2026
Q&A
What did Gary Payton say about LeBron James' future in the NBA?
Gary Payton stated that he believes LeBron James will play one more year, emphasizing LeBron's competitive nature and dedication to his physical condition.
Why does Gary Payton think LeBron James will stay with the Lakers?
Payton suggests that LeBron's family comfort in Los Angeles and his desire for stability will lead him to remain with the Lakers.
How does LeBron James maintain his performance at this stage of his career?
LeBron is known for his rigorous work ethic and commitment to taking care of his body, which allows him to continue performing at a high level.
What are the implications of LeBron James potentially playing one more year?
If LeBron plays another year, it could impact the Lakers' roster decisions and the overall dynamics of the NBA as he remains a significant player.
