Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Klutch Sports Group
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James cracked a joke Monday about his team failing to reach the NBA Finals.
During a stream with Kai Cenat and Druski, comedian Kevin Hart got LeBron on FaceTime and expressed his desire to watch James play in the Finals. When Druski asked if LeBron was playing, the NBA's all-time leading scorer humorously replied, "Game 8."
Of course, the NBA Finals can only go a maximum of seven games, although it is fair to wonder if the 2024 Finals will even last that long with the Boston Celtics out to a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks.
While James' status as one of the greatest players in NBA history has long been cemented, it has been quite some time since he played for a championship.
James led the Lakers to an NBA title in 2020, giving him four championships and four NBA Finals MVP awards in his illustrious career.
Although that wouldn't be a significant drought for most players, it is a far cry from James appearing in eight consecutive NBA Finals from 2011 to 2018 with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.
James and the Lakers have made three playoff appearances in four seasons since their last title, and they nearly went the distance last season, reaching the Western Conference Finals.
Despite LeBron and Anthony Davis enjoying mostly healthy and productive seasons in 2023-24, the Lakers suffered an earlier playoff exit, falling to the Denver Nuggets in the first round.
That led directly to the decision to fire head coach Darvin Ham after just two seasons at the helm, but it remains unclear who his replacement will be.
The Lakers made a strong bid for back-to-back NCAA national championship-winning head coach Dan Hurley, but he announced Monday that he is staying at UConn.
Former NBA guard JJ Redick is perhaps now the new front-runner despite having no prior head coaching experience, although the Lakers have also interviewed Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Nuggets assistant David Adelman and former Charlotte Hornets head coach and current New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
James technically can opt out of his contract this offseason and sign elsewhere if he so chooses, but given the foundation he has helped build in L.A., it would be a surprise if he decided to leave.
Last month, Jovan Buha of The Athletic said on Buha's Block (h/t HoopsHype.com) that "all indications" are James will either opt in for the 2024-25 season or opt out and sign a new contract with the Lakers.
LeBron will turn 40 during the 2024-25 season, which suggests he may not have many more opportunities to reach the Finals and vie for a championship.
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