Stephen A. Smith believes LeBron James will be on different level in his 20th season in the league

LeBron James has recently signed a massive extension with the Los Angeles Lakers and will be looking to lead this franchise in the next two years under the able guidance of head coach Darvin Ham. He will be looking to take the Lakers to greater heights next season after a massive disappointment from last season.

LeBron James had a sensational individual season as he averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists but it was not enough to elevate the Lakers to the playoffs. The 18-time All Star will be looking to push forward in the next season as he aims to finish his career on a high by winning yet another NBA Championship.

While LeBron can be 38 years old but he can still improve and that is what NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith believes ahead of the new NBA season. He feels that James will be operating at a different level in his 20th season. “He’s motivated this year, and I’m not trying to imply he’s never motivated, because I know you always is,” Smith said. “But LeBron James with that attitude excites me, because I think that even after 19 years, entering his 20th season in the NBA, after the year that they had last year, this brother’s gonna be on another level.”

While he predicts that LeBron and the Lakers will have a big upcoming season, he also shared how the opening night will be won by the Warriors. However Stephen A. Smith enjoys seeing LeBron James motivated ahead of the 20th season. “That ain’t gonna help him that night. I mean, Lakers gonna lose, and they’re gonna get pushed out the building,” Smith said. “OK, they’re gonna get pushed to sit back in Southern California. They ain’t beating the Warriors on ring night. I’m here to tell you something right now: I love it, and I love seeing LeBron James motivated.”

The Lakers have tied down a two year contract with LeBron James worth $97.1 million. The contract extension comes with a player option for the 2024-25 season. It will also help him become the highest paid player in the NBA.

If LeBron James runs out his current contract then he will be the only player to play in the NBA in his teenage and also in his forties. However for now the 38-year-old will be looking forward to the 20th season as he aims to win his fifth NBA Championship.