A story seemingly as old as time, or at least since 2003: LeBron James plays at an all-star level. Just over a month after his 40th birthday, James is averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 9.4 assists while shooting 52.4% from the field and 45.9% from three.
Still, James continues to hint that retirement isn't so far off his radar anymore. According to Kurt Helin of NBC SportsJames said he won't play much longer.
“It is the spirit“James said about what will determine when he retires. “Wherever my mind is, so will the rest of my body, whatever the case may be. To be completely honest, I won't be playing for that much longer. One year, two years, whatever the case may be. I said the other night that I won't play until the wheels fall off. That's not me. I won't be that guy. I'm not going to be the guy that disrespects the game because I just want to be out on the floor.”
We have more from the Western Conference:
- The Suns got off to a 9-3 start, but Devin Bookeris in a bit of a lull. He scored 31 points in a win on Tuesday, but followed that up with just 18 points in a loss on Wednesday. Despite it, Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports writes that there is no reason to worry about Booker. He's shooting just 43.4% from the field after hitting 49.2% of his shots last season, but he'll almost certainly return to his normal efficiency, Bourguet says.
- After playing in each of Denver's first five games, Dario Saric is now out of rotation. After a 2-3 start, the Nuggets put Saric on the bench and has since won five games in a row. Head coach Michael Malone confirmed the move, according to Bennett Durando of the Denver Post (Twitter link). “I don't expect Dario to walk around here with a smile and pompoms like he loves to do.said Malone. “But to his credit, he was the ultimate teammate.“
- On the other hand, Zeke Nnaji played only once in the first five games, but was part of the rotation throughout Nuggets' Five-game winning streak. Malone commented on what Nnaji brought to the rotation, according to Durando (Twitter link). “I think he was solid,said Malone. “I think he will still get a chance. He has to go out there and just try to finish around the basket and hit open threes. And most importantly, he obviously has to be the anchor of our defense when he plays the backup five.“
- The thunder played 6’5″ forward Jalen Williams the focus when dealing with injuries Isaiah Hartenstein And Chet Holmgren. Even without their traditional big men, their small ball lineups wreak havoc. Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman writes. They forced 23 turnovers against New Orleans on Wednesday. Kenrich Williams He also only played a few minutes off the bench in the fifth position and will continue to focus on moving forward. Rylan Stiles of Sports Illustrated writes.
