Lakers star LeBron James opens up about being in the playoffs in his 22nd NBA season

The Los Angeles Lakers kick off their playoff journey this Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, where they’ll take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first game of their opening-round series. LeBron James, now 40 years old and in his 22nd season, is aiming to add a fifth NBA championship to his illustrious career.

This season marks LeBron’s 18th playoff appearance. Over his previous 17 campaigns, the league’s all-time leading scorer has advanced past the first round 15 times and reached the NBA Finals on 10 occasions. Coming off last year’s disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, James and the Lakers are determined to deliver a stronger performance this time around.

For James, competing in the postseason at this stage of his career is a privilege he deeply values. “It’s a blessing, I don’t take it for granted to be able to play in the postseason at my age and how many years I’ve played this game,” James shared, via Lakers Nation.

“To be one of 16 teams, to go in with this team and know what we’re capable of, all you can do is ask for a chance to be able to compete at the highest level and be able to compete for the ultimate thing and that’s the Larry O’Brien Trophy. You just don’t take it for granted,” he added.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The rigors of the playoffs

The NBA playoffs are the most highly anticipated time of the year, presenting unparalleled challenges both physically and mentally for players. James spoke candidly about the demands of postseason basketball.

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“Everything. Playoffs demand everything from me,” James admitted. “Mentally, obviously the physical toll that it’s gonna take because as the games ramp up, the intensity ramps up, the physicality ramps up, the referees in the league allow us to play more physical in the postseason so your body takes a toll”.

“But mentally, being able to have that mind sharp throughout the course of a series no matter if it’s going good or going bad,” he continued. “You always gotta try to stay even-keeled throughout the course of the postseason in each series if you’re able to advance”.

LeBron on Anthony Edwards

At just 23 years old, Anthony Edwards has emerged as the leader and face of the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise. Coming off a career-best season where he averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, Edwards is poised to be a formidable matchup for James.

“Ant is amazing,” James said, acknowledging his first-round opponent. “Unbelievable basketball junkie, loves to play the game of basketball, great kid. And all the success he’s gotten throughout his young career has been awesome to see, he’s put the work in”.