SALT LAKE CITY — “It’s 23 of the most important games of my career for a regular season.” That statement from LeBron James turned heads before the All-Star Game Sunday.
This is the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, who in a few minutes would play in his 19th All-Star Game, not to mention the four rings, four MVPs, and GOAT-level resume he has put together in 20 NBA seasons.
Do these next 23 games matter that much to the man? Yes. This is who LeBron is — a man always looking forward, looking for the next challenge, and relishing the competition.
Getting these Lakers — 27-32, the 13th seed in the West at the All-Star break — into the playoffs and being a threat there is the challenge. “I don’t want to see myself not being part of the postseason for two years straight.