Lakers’ LeBron James reveals what hasn’t changed in Year 23

LeBron James says his love for basketball still drives him as he enters Year 23. The Los Angeles Lakers star spoke at media day on September 29 in El Segundo. He emphasized that the daily work and process keep him going.

James turns 41 this season. He is expected to start again for the Lakers when they host the Golden State Warriors on October 21 at 10:00 PM ET. His message was simple. The passion remains the same.

LeBron’s message and what it means for the Lakers

James noted that the “love of the game” and the “love of the process” remain high. He framed his approach around preparation, recovery, and being present. He also addressed long-term questions. He said retirement will come when the prep no longer excites him.

The Lakers enter 2025–26 with a clearer hierarchy. Luka Dončić is the primary offensive engine. James remains a top option and a leader. The franchise expects both stars to share creation duty in late-game situations.

Los Angeles targeted two weaknesses in the offseason. The front office added Marcus Smart for perimeter defense and leadership. The team also brought in Deandre Ayton to stabilize the center rotation. Both arrived after buyouts and give head coach JJ Redick more lineup tools.

The Lakers’ opener against the Warriors will test those fixes. Golden State’s movement shooting stresses point-of-attack defense. Ayton’s rim presence must help on the glass. Smart’s screen navigation will matter on Stephen Curry actions.

Roster fit, rotations, and LeBron’s evolving role

Redick faces key choices with his starting five. A Dončić–Reaves backcourt struggled defensively last year at times. Smart can lift the defense but makes the group smaller. One option is starting Smart with Dončić and staggering Reaves as a second-unit playmaker. Another path is keeping Reaves with the starters and using Smart to close games.

Ayton’s presence changes the frontcourt math. He offers size, screening, and a reliable paint touch. That could ease James’ defensive load and reduce his rim contests. It should also free LeBron to play more as a roaming helper and transition finisher.

James’ comments back the approach. He wants the grind. He wants structure. He welcomes teammates who raise the team’s floor on defense and on the boards. That aligns with Redick’s plan to sharpen details after last season’s first-round exit to Minnesota.

The Lakers’ offense should run through Dončić’s pick-and-rolls and post mismatches. James will attack second sides, punish switches, and drive late shot clocks. Expect more off-ball cuts, short-roll reads, and inverted actions with Dončić screening for LeBron. The goal is to generate simple, repeatable shots deep into May and June.

What to watch in the coming weeks

First, conditioning and minutes. The staff will manage James’ workload across back-to-backs. Second, defensive roles. Smart guards the point of attack, while Ayton anchors the paint. James and Reaves must communicate on back-line rotations.

Third, closing lineups. Matchups will decide the fifth closer alongside Dončić, James, and two of Smart/Reaves/Ayton. Shooting, size, and foul trouble will guide those calls. Fourth, young depth. Players like Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero could swing a random Tuesday in January. Those games often separate home-court seeds from the play-in.

Bottom line: LeBron James reveals that his love for the process has not changed. The Lakers believe that mindset, paired with Dončić’s prime and new defensive pieces, gives them a real shot. If the habits hold, Year 23 can still be special.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did LeBron James reveal at media day?

He said his love for the game and the process remains high. He tied his future to whether that daily work still motivates him.

Q2: When do the Lakers start the 2025–26 season?

They open at home against the Warriors on October 21 at 10:00 PM ET. It is a marquee national window to start the year.

Q3: How do Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton help?

Smart improves point-of-attack defense and leadership. Ayton adds size, screens, and rim protection to balance the rotation.

Q4: What is LeBron’s role next to Luka Dončić?

Dončić is the primary initiator. James attacks second sides, closes games, and lifts the defense with experience and communication.

Q5: Who decides the Lakers’ starting and closing units?

Head coach JJ Redick. He will mix lineups by matchup and form, with defense and spacing as key factors.