Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Lakers News: Phil Handy Expects LeBron James To Return For 2023-24 Season
FeaturedLakers News

Lakers News: Phil Handy Expects LeBron James To Return For 2023-24 Season

Matt Peralta
Published: 06/20/2023
3 Min Read
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

LeBron James had an eventful Year 20 in the NBA, moving up several all-time lists and becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer. James also helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to an unprecedented Western Conference Finals appearance where they were swept by the eventual champions the Denver Nuggets.

However, James set a fear and panic in the fan base when he teased that he could potentially decide to retire from the game of basketball. His announcement shocked everyone as the expectation is he’ll play until his eldest son Bronny James makes it to the NBA himself.

By all accounts, though, the Lakers are operating under the assumption that James will return for the 2023-24 season. Aside from the front office, members of the coaching staff seem to believe James is coming back as Phil Handy said the plan is to have their star player back in the fold, via Nicole Ganglani of Basketball Network:

Handy on if he expect LeBron James to suit up for the Lakers next season: “That’s the plan. That’s the plan. I don’t see why not.”

— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) June 19, 2023

Despite a foot injury that clearly limited him throughout the 2023 playoffs, James still had the burst and athleticism to overpower defenders and get to the cup in transition. The playmaking also never waned as he was able to bend defenses and make them pay for over-helping in half court sets.

With how well he takes care of his mind and body, the 38-year-old can feasibly play at a star level for a few more years. Working in Los Angeles’ favor is that they got close enough to a championship that they could argue to James that just a couple tweaks to the roster would make them a serious threat for a title next season.

While a decision hasn’t officially been made yet, the growing belief is that James will indeed return for Year 21 to help lead the purple and gold through the postseason again. The 2023-24 campaign represents probably his best chance at another ring and the franchise should do everything in their power to help him get there.

Dwayne Wade believes LeBron James’ injury helped Lakers down stretch of 2022-23 season

James’ foot injury put him on the sidelines for over a month, leaving the rest of the team to claw and scratch their way to the Play-In Tournament. In the process, certain role players like Austin Reaves were able to hit a groove which is why Dwyane Wade believes James’ injury was actually a blessing in disguise.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2023-24 seasonLeBron JamesLos Angeles LakersPhil Handy
ByMatt Peralta
Matt was born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. and is a lifelong Lakers fan. Because of his love for basketball and the Lakers, Matt successfully pursued a degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach (#GoBeach) and is now a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com. He is also a Staff Writer for RamsNewsWire.com and RaidersNewsWire.com. Contact: mattp@mediumlargela.com Twitter: @_MatthewPeralta Instagram: @matthewperalta
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?