LeBron James Makes Shockingly Bold Statement After Suns-Lakers Game

LeBron James met with the media after the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Suns.

Oct 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

On Friday evening, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Phoenix Suns in California.

Despite trailing by as many as 22 points, the Lakers came back to win by a score of 123-116.

James finished with 21 points, four rebounds and eight assists while shooting 7/13 from the field and 2/5 from the three-point range in 35 minutes of playing time.

Final 📊

AD: 35 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast, 2 blk
AR: 26 pts, 5 threes, 4 reb, 8 ast, 3 stl
Bron: 21 pts, 4 reb, 8 ast
Rui: 14 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast pic.twitter.com/57uo30PiC7

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 26, 2024

Despite turning 40 in December, James is still among the best players in the NBA.

He also made a surprising statement after the victory.

Via Jovan Buha of The Athletic: "LeBron James said he will play tomorrow vs. Sacramento and plans on playing all 82 games this season barring injury."

LeBron James said he will play tomorrow vs. Sacramento and plans on playing all 82 games this season barring injury.

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 26, 2024

While injury is always possible, the fact that James is not willing to rest is a good sign for Lakers fans.

LeBron James says he plans on playing all 82 games this season, barring injury, per @jovanbuha pic.twitter.com/mo5GOLdamC

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 26, 2024

James finished last season with averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 54.0% from the field and 41.0% from the three-point range in 71 games.

This will be his seventh year playing for the Lakers (and 22nd in the NBA).

LeBron James postgame media availability after win over the Suns pic.twitter.com/XndSsUgHqt

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 26, 2024

The Lakers are a perfect 2-0 on the new season (they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves by a score of 110-103 on Tuesday).

After they host the Kings, they will begin a road trip that starts with visiting the Suns on Monday evening in Arizona.

LEBRON TO AD... Their 2020 🏆 teammate Dwight Howard is loving it! pic.twitter.com/tVq42Gjg4V

— NBA (@NBA) October 26, 2024

As for the Suns, they dropped to 1-1 in their first two games.

They will now host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday evening.